Sodi, Magashule trial postponed due to sick accused

THE corruption and fraud trial relating to a R255 million Free State contract for asbestos removal has failed to start in the Bloemfontein High Court due to a host of challenges.

Former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, businessman Edwin Sodi, Blackhead Consulting and Thabane Zulu, among others, face charges in connection with the asbestos contract.

The court heard yesterday that Magashule’s former personal assistant has been arrested in the US.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed Moroadi Cholota, was arrested by US authorities, saying the State will commence with the extradition process as soon as possible, to have her back in South Africa.

The State alleges that the Free State Human Settlements Department awarded a contract to the Blackhead Consulting joint venture, to audit, assess and remove asbestos from homes in some of the Free State’s poorest areas, about six years ago.

The trial was due to start in the Bloemfontein High Court on Monday.

However, the NPA said the Judge President of the Free State, presiding over the matter, was informed the trial was not going to commence.

NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the reasons for the delay included that accused 5, a company, still did not have legal representation.

“The second reason was that Sarah Mlamleli, former MEC, could not be in court as she was still sick and will only be able to be in court in July 2024.”

The NPA said an earlier application by Magashule, Sodi, Blackhead Consulting and Zulu, asking the high court to find there was no prima facie case that could sustain a successful prosecution, was dismissed by the court.

“They have all been charged, together with Nthimotse Mokhesi, Mahlomola Matlakala, Sello Radebe, Kgotso Manyeki, Sarah Mlamleli, Nozipho Molikoe, Albertus Venter, Moroadi Cholota, Margaret-Ann Deidericks, and three companies, 602 Consulting Solutions, Mastertrade 232 and Ori Group, with fraud, corruption, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).”

The matter was postponed to June 14. Magashule is out on R200 000 bail.