Asbestos Fraud Case Adjourned: Ace Magashule and 17 Others Await Next Hearing

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News Summary

The asbestos fraud case involving Ace Magashule and 17 co-accused has been postponed. Proceeding complexities include illness of key witness and jurisdiction issues.

Asbestos Fraud Case Adjourned: Ace Magashule and 17 Others Await Next Hearing

The high-profile *tender fraud case* involving former Free State premier Ace Magashule and 17 co-accused has been postponed until Monday, May 12. The proceedings are taking place at the *Free State High Court* in Bloemfontein, where the intricate web of alleged corruption continues to unfold.

Illness Halts Key Testimony

Investigating officer Captain Benjamin Calitz was slated to return to the witness stand, but his testimony has been delayed due to his significant illness. Reports suggest that his condition is severe enough for him to have been booked off by his doctor, leaving the prosecution facing unforeseen complications in the case.

A Web of Corruption

The crux of the trial centers on a dubious scheme that purportedly directed a staggering R255 million for *asbestos removal* work intended for impoverished homes in the Free State. This initiative allegedly funneled funds to a joint venture that included Edwin Sodi’s Blackhead Consulting back in 2014. What makes this case particularly intriguing is the connection to a pre-existing contract with the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, which was nearing its termination at the time.

Within this alleged scheme, numerous public officials have been implicated, reportedly accepting various benefits such as cash, electronic gadgets, travel arrangements, and educational opportunities in exchange for their compliance and silence.

Special Pleas and Jurisdiction Issues

A significant twist in the proceedings comes from Moroadi Cholota, Magashule’s former assistant. Initially designated as a state witness, she has now filed a *special plea*, claiming that the court lacks the jurisdiction to hear her case. Her unpredictability escalated during an interview in the United States in late 2021, which ultimately led to her extradition back to South Africa.

Cholota has expressed that her prosecution serves as a punitive measure for her reluctance to implicate Magashule. She maintains that the extradition process itself was illegal, further complicating matters for the defense.

Central Evidence and Cross-Examination Requests

A pivotal piece of evidence in Cholota’s plea is a transcript from her initial interview with the Hawks, which has been presented by Magashule’s legal counsel as a crucial component of their argument. Advocate Laurance Hodes SC has requested the chance to cross-examine Calitz, should the trial proceed as scheduled.

While Cholota was pursuing studies in *political science and international relations* at Bay Atlantic University in Washington, DC, her extradition raised eyebrows. Allegations of *prosecutorial interference* are surfacing, asserting that misconduct took place, particularly when witnesses were cautioned against communicating with Magashule or his legal representatives.

Omitted Discussions and Ongoing Investigations

Complicating the case further, Prosecutor Johan de Nysschen acknowledged that certain discussions from Cholota’s interview were left out of the transcript, although he consented to its use in court. This acknowledgment raises questions surrounding transparency and the integrity of the evidence being presented.

As the trial progresses, the atmosphere remains charged with *allegations of misconduct* from Magashule’s legal team. They argue that there are numerous layers of impropriety that need to be examined thoroughly, adding adrenaline to an already suspenseful legal saga.

What Lies Ahead?

With the trial adjourned for now, all eyes are on the upcoming session on May 12. As the intricate details of this contentious case unfold, it is evident that the ramifications of alleged corruption within the Free State government could send ripples far beyond the courtroom.

Total amounts swindled, dubious contracts, and testimonies from key witnesses all promise drama for the ages. The fight for justice, accountability, and truth promises to be a gripping saga as we await the next chapter.