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Moroadi Cholota at the High Court in Bloemfontein.
Moroadi Cholota’s legal representatives say they are shocked by the Free State High Court decision to dismiss her bid challenging the court’s jurisdiction to try her.
The court dismissed four grounds Cholota mounted against the state, finding that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that it did not misrepresent facts when it requested her extradition from the United States.
Cholota is among 18 accused facing corruption, money laundering and fraud charges related to the R255-million asbestos roof removal case.
Defence Attorney Piet Tibane says the defence will study the judgment to determine a way forward.
“We are taken aback by sudden change from this court. You will note that during the judgment, the judge indicated that Miss Cholota was charged after she refused to implicate Mr Ace Magashule. Over and above that, the country at large has been watching the two witnesses that testified during the trial within a trial. We are surprised and our client is as equally surprised by the sudden change in as far as a court is concerned.”
Earlier, the National Prosecuting Authority said it was relieved that the court dismissed Cholota’s bid.
