State to make submissions opposing bail for Magashule's ex-PA, Cholota

BLOEMFONTEIN - The State in the fraud and corruption case against the ex-personal assistant of former Free State Premier Ace Magashule will make submissions in court on Tuesday to oppose her release on bail.
 
Moroadi Cholota appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on Monday in connection with her alleged involvement in the irregular awarding and looting of the R255 million asbestos tender.
 
During her bail application, Cholota outlined in her affidavit the State had no evidence to prove her involvement in facilitating corrupt activities on behalf of Magashule.
 
In her affidavit presented in court on Monday, Cholota dismissed being involved in the botched R255 million asbestos tender.
 
But the State said it had gathered evidence showing she played a significant role in the irregular awarding and looting of the tender meant to replace asbestos roofing on low-cost houses in the Free State.
 
Prosecutor Johan de Nysschen said the State would file a comprehensive affidavit in court on Tuesday detailing why Cholota should remain behind bars.
 
"We shall point out in the small affidavit that this applicant has been delaying this whole matter for more than two years. We shall point out in the affidavit at in the beginning of this year, there was an undertaking in the high that she would surrender herself and that changed."
 
Cholota has questioned why the State wants to keep her in custody while her co-accused, including Magshule, were granted bail.
 
The court is expected to announce on Tuesday whether or not Cholota will be released after spending four months in custody.