Cholota case postponed for defence to respond to State affidavit opposing bail
The State on Tuesday morning told the court that Cholota's refusal to voluntarily return to South Africa to face the law makes her a potential flight risk.
Fraud and corruption-accused Moroadi Cholota appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on 13 August 2024. Picture: Xanderleigh Dookey Makhaza/EWN
BLOEMFONTEIN - The corruption case against Ace Magashule's former personal assistant has been postponed to Thursday to allow the defence to respond to the State's affidavit opposing her bail application.
The State on Tuesday morning told the court that Moroadi Cholota's refusal to voluntarily return to South Africa to face the law made her a potential flight risk.
She was extradited from the United States (US) last week following allegations linking her to the looting of the R255 million asbestos tender.
State prosecutor Johan de Nysschen said Cholota’s attempts to stop her extradition suggested she could try and evade trial.
READ: Cholota says NPA has no evidence linking her to awarding R255 million asbestos tender
"Miss Cholota has omitted to bring to the court’s attention numerous material facts, which militate against the granting of bail and serve to establish a past pattern of conduct, which is consistent with someone likely to evade trial."
Prosecutors in the corruption case have denied treating Cholota unfairly after she complained that her co-accused were receiving better treatment.
On Monday, Cholota’s legal team questioned the State’s decision to oppose her bail application while it was granted to her co-accused.
National Prosecuting Aurhority spokesperson Mojalefa Senokotsoane says each person’s bail application is judged on its own merits.
“There is nothing that is holding her back from evading her trial because she did not come back voluntarily to south africa. We are of the view that she will try by all means to evade her trial.”
CHOLOTA'S LAWYERS SAY HER RIGHTS HAVE BEEN VIOLATED
Lawyers representing Moroadi Cholota said their client's rights to a speedy bail application have been violated.
Her attorney, Piet Tibane, says it's unfair the court has decided to drag her bail application without giving compelling reasons.
"We will come back on Thursday and we will make sure that our client’s rights are vindicated but we find it extremely unfair that our client has to sleep in custody," said Tibane.