Controversial businessman Edwin Sodi’s R255-million asbestos contract fraud and corruption case has been postponed to next year by the Bloemfontein High Court in the Free State.
Sodi and his co-accused Ace Magashule, Nthimotse Mokhesi, Mahlomola Matlakala, Sello Radebe, Kgotso Manyeki, Sarah Mlamleli, Nozipho Molikoe, Albertus Venter, Moroadi Cholota and Margaret-Ann Deidericks appeared in court on Friday.
The group is charged with fraud relating to the botched tender that was awarded to them to remove asbestos roofing in the Free State.
During their brief appearance on Friday, the prosecutor informed the court that the state and the defence had agreed on a trial date. The agreed date would be April 15 to June 23 2025.
Accused 12 off sick, another being extradited from the US
The defence also informed the court on the accused 12. The former MEC, Sarah Mlamleli, could not be in court as she was still sick.
NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane confirmed the matter. He said the court was informed by the prosecution about the extradition process of Moroadi Cholota. She is currently in the US, and her extradition was still unfolding within the American courts. It might take two months for the Attorney General to sign off on that extradition process.
“The state will commence with the trial. Even if she is still not extradited at the commencement of the trial,” Senokoatsane said.
Application to dismiss the case failed
Senokoatsane also added on action taken by Magashule, Sodi, Blackhead Consulting and Thabane Zulu. They had previously brought an application, asking the High Court to find no prima facie case against them. There was no evidence that could sustain a successful prosecution against them, they said.
“Their application was dismissed by the court,” Senokoatsane added.
The matter has been postponed to April 15 2025 for the start of the trial in the High Court in Bloemfontein.
