The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has dropped fraud charges against Moroadi Cholota, the former personal assistant to ex-ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, citing complications in securing her extradition from the United States. Cholota was a central witness in the R255 million Free State asbestos corruption case linked to a 2014 tender awarded during Magashule’s tenure as premier.
The NPA’s decision has drawn mixed reactions. Legal analysts view it as a pragmatic move to prevent trial delays, while critics argue it undermines accountability in a high-profile corruption case. The withdrawal does not affect charges against Magashule and his co-accused, including businessman Edwin Sodi, who still face 21 counts of fraud, corruption, and money laundering.
A pre-trial conference is scheduled in the Bloemfontein High Court as pressure mounts on prosecutors to demonstrate progress in the state’s anti-corruption efforts. The asbestos case remains a litmus test for South Africa’s ability to tackle graft at the highest levels of government.
