FS High Court dismisses NPA’s appeal to put Cholota on the stand

Bloemfontein High Court Judge Phillip Loubser has dismissed the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)’s application for leave to appeal the decision to free Moroadi Cholota from standing trial in the R255 million asbestos roof removal scandal.

Loubser set Cholota free last week when he found that her extradition from the United States was unlawful and that no South African court had jurisdiction to try her.

The state had argued that Cholota was the link to some of the 18 accused in the case including former Free State premier, Ace Magashule.

Last week Tuesday, the state hit a snag when the High Court found that the NPA did not have jurisdiction to apply for extradition; it should be the role of the Justice Department.

Court proceedings will continue on January 26 next year.

NPA national spokesperson, Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga, says they will petition the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) to challenge Judge Loubser’s ruling to dismiss Cholota from the asbestos corruption trial.