Cape Town — The African Congress for Transformation (ACT) has criticised handling the extradition process to bring Ace Magashule’s ex-PA, Moroadi Cholota, back to South Africa.
Cholota was extradited to South Africa from the USA on Thursday evening, in a lengthy and mainstream process that involved Interpol and the Hawks. She is expected as a witness in the R255 million asbestos tender case against Magashule. She is expected to make her first appearance on Monday in the Bloemfontein High Court.
In a statement, the party hoped the long dragging out of the case would be put to rest and that Cholota would be able to tell her side of the story and present the truth.
However, the party condemned the “Hollywood-esque” nature of the extradition, adding that Cholota was paraded and treated like a terrorist, party spokesperson, Mohau Khumalo, said.
“Ms Cholota does not pose any threat to anyone and did not merit the mistreatment she received. The police’s grandiose arrival at the OR Tambo International Airport was only a theatrical display intended to scare an innocent woman who happens to be a mother. Regrettably, this occurrence takes place during the month dedicated to women and on the eve of International Women’s Day,” he said.
ACT strongly condemns the Hollywood-esque extradition of Ms. Cholota, during which she was surrounded by heavily armed Interpol Officers, SAPS Officers, and the NPA as if they were escorting a terrorist. Ms. Cholota does not pose any threat to anyone and did not merit the… pic.twitter.com/ecgcBPuzBG
— African Congress for Transformation (@actonlinesa) August 9, 2024
Khumalo said the party received information that Cholota was subjected to assault and harassment by the FBI, Interpol, and the South African Police Services (SAPS) to get her to sign a statement to falsely incriminate Magashule, but she did not consent. However, it is unknown where the ACT got this information from.
The party said it would provide support to her should she wish to file charges against the FBI, Interpol, NPA, and SAPS for violating her rights.
Ace Magashule also welcomed her back to South Africa and said her presence would help solve the case once and for all.
According to eNCA, Cholota’s lawyer, Piet Tibane, said she would apply for bail when she appears in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
“They (authorities) approached her with an intent to get her to be a state witness, but immediately realised they couldn’t get whatever they were looking for. They then decided to say we are going to charge you,” Tibane said.
However, the Hawks said it would oppose her bail application.
WATCH | Cholota will apply for bail – Lawyer
FULL REPORT HERE: https://t.co/ZoWJOOhDCA pic.twitter.com/nvAhuI8CC6
— eNCA (@eNCA) August 10, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
