The African Congress for Transformation (ACT) has hit out at the “Hollywood-esque” extradition of Ace Magashule’s former PA, Ms Moroadi Cholota, after she was seen surrounded by heavily armed Interpol officers, Saps and the NPA officials “as if they were escorting a terrorist.”
ACT’s national spokesperson Mohau Khumalo said on Friday that this was done to scare her, adding: “Ms Cholota does not pose any threat to anyone and did not merit the mistreatment she received.”
The party has also alleged that Ms Cholota was assaulted and harassed by the Saps, FBI and Interpol in an attempt to force her to sign a statement that incriminates Magashule in the Free State asbestos scandal.
“She had a choice signing the false statement that implicates Magashule and walk free, but she chose not to compromise her values and principles.
“We admire her fortitude and determination in the face of such intimidation and provocation.”
RELATED STORY: ACT reiterates its stance on asbestos case against Magashule.
Cholota is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on Monday, after her flight from the United States (US) landed at OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, on Thursday evening.
This comes after South Africa’s bid to extradite her from the US was successful, as she faces charges linked to the Free State asbestos case.
The State claims that Cholota was instrumental in its R255m asbestos corruption case, and is alleged to have solicited money from business people on behalf of Magashule.
She arrived at the airport under the escort of SAPS Interpol and was handed over to the Hawks.
Khumalo said the extradition of Ms Cholota is an attempt by President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Zondo commission to save their reputation.
“The commission and the NPA are attempting to justify the significant amount of money that was spent with no return on investment realised thus far; so now they are clutching at straws to avoid embarrassment.
“ACT is certain that this case, like all other Zondo commission cases, will see its natural demise.”
