The suspects in the Free State asbestos scandal briefly appeared before the Bloemfontein High Court on Friday.
During the appearance, the prosecution said they had reached an agreement with the defense that the trial would run from April 15, 2025 to June 23, 2025.
The case relates to a R255-million asbestos contract awarded about six years ago by the Free State Department of Human Settlements to Blackhead Consulting – a joint venture to monitor, assess and remove asbestos from homes in some of the province’s poorest areas .
The defense informed the court that accused Sarah Mlamleli – former Free State MEC – could not appear in court because she was ill.
The prosecutor said the extradition process for Moroadi Cholota, Ace Magashule’s former aide who is now in the US, is still unfolding in the US courts and it could take two months for the Attorney General to sign off on the process . The trial will continue even if Cholota is not extradited by April 2025.
Magashule, Edwin Sodi, Blackhead Consulting and Thabane Zulu had previously petitioned the High Court saying there was no prima facie evidence that could successfully prosecute them. Their request was rejected by the court.
They have been charged against Nthimotse Mokhesi, Mahlomola Matlakala, Sello Radebe, Kgotso Manyeki, Mlamleli, Nozipho Molikoe, Albertus Venter, Cholota, Margaret-Ann Deidericks and three other companies: 602 Consulting Solutions, Mastertrade 232 and Ori Group.
They face charges of fraud, corruption, money laundering and breaching the Public Finance Management Act, Free State NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said.
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