Moroadi Cholota is amongst those facing charges related to the controversial R255 million asbestos roofing project dating back to 2014. The charges include fraud, corruption, and money laundering.

During the hearing in the Bloemfontein High Court on Wednesday morning (16/10), State Prosecutor Tammy McPherson informed Judge Martha Mbhele the state was still finalising details needed by the defence.

Adv. Norman Makhubela, representing Cholota, requested another postponement, citing outstanding documents in the docket. Both the defence and the state had tentatively agreed to a postponement until 6 December.

Moroadi Cholota and her legal representative, Advocate Norman Makhubela at the Bloemfontein High Court. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi 

However, after Mbhele urged the parties to consider an earlier date, they agreed to move the pretrial hearing to 4 December. When Mbehele asked when the required information would be made available to the defence, McPherson said by Monday (21/10). Mbhele ruled Cholota would remain out on bail under her existing conditions.

The asbestos case continues to draw widespread attention. Limpopo businessman Edwin Sodi, in collaboration with Diamond Hill Trading owned by the late Welkom businessman Igo Mpambani, was irregularly awarded a Free State Department of Human Settlements’ tender for a housing audit in 2014. The state contends kickbacks were paid to several accused individuals as part of the deal.

The accused include former Mangaung Mayor Olly Mlamleli, former Free State Department of Human Settlements Head Nthimotse Mokhesi, supply chain management director Mahlomola John Matlakala, Gauteng businessmen Sello Joseph Radebe and Abel Kgotso Manyeki, former national Department of Human Settlements Director-General Thabane Wiseman Zulu, and Albertus Venter, a former official in the Free State Premier’s office.

Collectively, they face more than 70 charges, including fraud, theft, attempted theft, corruption, and money laundering. They were previously released on bail ranging from R50,000 to R500,000. The trial has been scheduled for 15 April to 23 June next year when more details of the irregularities in the asbestos project are expected to emerge.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi and Rethabile Monyane dg