The corruption trial of former Free State Premier Ace Magashule has encountered fresh complications as disputes over a key witness threaten to prolong proceedings in the R255-million asbestos roof removal case.
Central to the controversy is Moroadi Cholota, Magashule’s former personal assistant, currently contesting extradition from the U.S. Prosecutors allege she agreed to testify for the state, but her legal team presented emails suggesting she never consented—contradicting the state’s claims.
Cholota reportedly learned of her status as a state witness through media reports, raising questions about the prosecution’s handling of the matter. On Monday, the lead investigator testified that Cholota was uncooperative during 2021 interviews, avoiding key questions about emails linked to the disputed contract.
“We never pressured or intimidated her,” the investigator maintained. “She was fully informed of her rights.”
However, Cholota’s lawyer, Lerato Marapela, challenged this account:
“What does ‘pushing’ a witness entail? Were her statements truly voluntary, or was she maneuvered into compliance?”
Adding to the complexity, Magashule’s legal team has sought to cross-examine the investigator, with attorney Lourence Hodes arguing:
“My client’s interests are directly involved—this avoids needing a separate trial within a trial.”
The state maintains that South African courts cannot influence the U.S. extradition process. The trial continues Tuesday with further cross-examination of the investigator, as the court weighs issues of witness credibility and procedural fairness.