BLOEMFONTEIN – The corruption case against Ace Magashule’s former personal assistant has been postponed until Thursday so the defence can respond to the state’s statement opposing her application for bail.
The state told the court on Tuesday morning that Moraadi Cholota’s refusal to voluntarily return to South Africa to face court made her a potential flight risk.
She was extradited from the United States (US) last week after allegations emerged that she was involved in the plundering of the R255 million asbestos tender.
Public prosecutor Johan de Nysschen said Cholota’s efforts to avoid extradition indicate she may be trying to avoid trial.
“Ms Cholota has failed to draw the court’s attention to numerous material facts which militate against the granting of bail and which serve to establish a pattern of past conduct consistent with someone likely to avoid trial.”
Prosecutors in the corruption case deny treating Cholota unfairly after she complained that her co-defendants were being treated better.
On Monday, Cholota’s legal team questioned the state’s decision to oppose her request for bail, despite granting it to her co-defendant.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mojalefa Senokotsoane says each person’s bail application is assessed on its own merits.
“There is nothing to prevent her from avoiding her trial because she did not return to South Africa voluntarily. We believe that she will try to avoid her trial by any means necessary.”
EWN
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