Free State asbestos case trial-within-trial to begin in June

The High Court in Bloemfontein has postponed the asbestos case to the fifth of next month for the start of a trial-within-a-trial.

Judge Phillip Loubser this morning granted former Free State Premier Ace Magashule’s former personal assistant, Moroadi Cholota’s, request for the trial-within-trial.

The aim is to test the court’s jurisdiction to try her. Cholota was extradited from the US in August last year. She has been adamant since then that South African courts cannot try her due to the manner in which she was brought back. 

The case relates to a R255-million tender awarded in 2014 for the removal of asbestos roofing in the Free State.

Magashule and 17 co-accused have pleaded not guilty to charges including fraud, corruption and money laundering. 

This development adds another layer of complexity to the already contentious proceedings.

Cholota has been a central figure in the case. The judge’s decision significantly impacts the timeline and outcome of one of South Africa’s most closely watched corruption cases. 

WATCH : Asbestos case | Judge Phillip Loubser deliberating on whether to allow a trial within a trial