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Back to the dock for Magashule’s ex-PA as new ruling dismisses special plea
The Free State High Court confirmed jurisdiction to try Cholota on corruption charges related to a R255 million asbestos contract involving 18 accused, including Ace Magashule.
- On Wednesday the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein ordered Moroadi Cholota to stand trial in the R255 million asbestos corruption case, following a second trial-within-a-trial over her special plea.
- The Constitutional Court found the NPA acted outside its powers in requesting Cholota's extradition but did not terminate her prosecution, which the high court ordered to proceed.
- Forensic and commission records indicate Hawks investigators Benjamin Calitz and Nico Gerber questioned Cholota at the South African Embassy, Washington, DC, in September 2021, and a US court found probable cause for extradition.
- The decision means Moroadi Cholota, one of eighteen accused, faces trial for fraud, corruption, theft and racketeering as proceedings resume on 2 March 2026, the National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the ruling and Andy Mothibi praised the prosecution team.
- The alleged corruption stems from a R255 million 2014 contract awarded by the Free State Department of Human Settlements to Diamond Hill Trading and Blackhead Consulting, with all accused facing fraud, corruption, money laundering and PFMA violations involving companies like 602 Consulting Solutions and Mastertrade 232.
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Moroadi Cholota to stand trial after court rules it has jurisdiction
The Free State High Court in Bloemfontein has ruled that Moroadi Cholota, the former personal assistant of former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, should stand trial in the R255 million asbestos corruption case. Judge Philip Loubser delivered his ruling on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, following a second trial-within-a-trial regarding Cholota’s special plea. Loubser previously upheld Cholota’s special plea in June 2025, declaring her extradit…
·South Africa
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RECORDED | Ruling expected in asbestos trial within a trial involving Moroadi Cholota
A ruling in the multi-million rand asbestos corruption trial within a trial, involving the former PA of former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule is expected to be heard on Wednesday.
·Johannesburg, South Africa
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Total News Sources8
Leaning Left0Leaning Right2Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
C 67%
R 33%
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