NPA FILES PETITION TO THE SCA ON CHOLOTA ASBESTOS CASE

02 JULY 2025

NPA FILES PETITION TO THE SCA ON CHOLOTA ASBESTOS CASE

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), on Monday, 30 June 2025 filed a petition with the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) for leave to appeal the judgment delivered in the Free State Division of the High Court, Bloemfontein by Loubser J in the asbestos case regarding Ms Cholota’s special plea on the lack of jurisdiction. The petition to the SCA follows after Loubser J dismissed the NPA’s request for the Honourable judge to reserve questions of law in terms of Section 319 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

The NPA is of the firm view that the Honourable judge erred in dismissing the application for leave to appeal, that there are reasonable prospects of success to appeal the Cholota judgment, and that there are compelling reasons for the SCA to hear our appeal. We are also exploring the possibility of approaching the Constitutional Court, challenging the same judgment, given the possible far-reaching implications on many other extradition matters.

Enquiries:

Adv Mthunzi Mhaga
NPA National Spokesperson