Today, the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court will witness a significant development in the case involving Moroadi Cholota, the former personal assistant to ex-Free State Premier Ace Magashule.
Moroadi Cholota, who has been embroiled in a legal battle surrounding the R255 million asbestos roof removal tender scandal, is meticulously awaiting the state’s response to her bail application.
Moroadi Cholota, aged 37, made her first court appearance on Monday following her extradition from the United States, where she spent four months in prison. During her appearance, Cholota submitted a bail application, requesting to be released on R2500 bail.
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She asserted in her affidavit that the state has a weak case against her and expressed confidence that she would not be found guilty of the charges of fraud, corruption, and money laundering.
The state is opposing Cholota’s bail application on the grounds that her affidavit was only provided on Monday morning, allowing little time for scrutiny. Advocate Loyiso Makapela, representing Cholota, read her affidavit in court.
Cholota claims that during her interviews with investigators in the US, she was threatened with charges similar to those of her co-accused if she did not cooperate.
Despite her cooperation, she alleges that investigators felt she did not provide necessary information, leading to the charges against her.
In her affidavit, Cholota contends that the charges levelled against her lack of factual and objective evidence. She perceives the charges as a vendetta for her perceived lack of cooperation with investigators and prosecutors.
The state’s response today will be a pivotal moment in determining whether Cholota will be granted bail or remain in custody as the legal proceedings continue.
The courtroom atmosphere is tense as stakeholders await the state’s response. Cholota appeared calm and composed, even showing affection towards her loved ones in the courtroom.
As the case unfolds, the legal fraternity and public remain keenly interested in the developments surrounding this high-profile case.
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