Moroadi Cholota arrival at OR Tambo . Picture supplied
By Thabo Mosia
The African Congress for Transformation (ACT) has issued a strong condemnation of the treatment and media coverage surrounding the recent extradition of Moroadi Cholota, former personal assistant to ex-Free State Premier Ace Magashule. Cholota was extradited from the United States and arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday, where she was met with a heavy police presence and a media spectacle that ACT has described as “Hollywood-esque.”
In a media release dated 9 August 2024, ACT voiced its concerns over the manner in which Cholota was escorted upon her arrival, stating, “Ms. Cholota does not pose any threat to anyone and did not merit the mistreatment she received. The police’s grandiose arrival at OR Tambo International Airport was only a theatrical display intended to scare an innocent woman who happens to be a mother.” ACT further criticised the timing of the event, noting that it occurred “during the month dedicated to women and on the eve of International Women’s Day.”
Cholota’s extradition is linked to her involvement in the R255 million asbestos fraud and corruption case, in which she is accused alongside Magashule, businessman Edwin Sodi, and 15 others. This case has garnered significant public attention due to its connection to the state capture allegations that have rocked South Africa in recent years.
Cholota, who initially served as a state witness during the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, found herself added to the list of accused after refusing to cooperate further with the authorities. According to the State, she and other high-ranking officials, including Magashule, allegedly received kickbacks from the asbestos removal funds, with only R21 million worth of work completed out of the intended R255 million.
ACT’s statement expressed concern that the media coverage surrounding Cholota’s return was part of a larger effort to tarnish her reputation and coerce her into making false statements against Magashule. The party accused the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and law enforcement agencies of using intimidation tactics, stating, “We have received information indicating that Ms. Cholota was subjected to assault and harassment by the FBI, Interpol, and SAPS in order to coerce her into signing a statement that falsely incriminates Dr. Magashule.”
ACT’s President-General also weighed in on the matter, welcoming Cholota’s return and expressing confidence in her ability to “present the truth as she knows it” to the South African public. The party reiterated its support for Cholota, highlighting her bravery in the face of what they described as “blackmail” and “provocation” by authorities. “She had a choice of signing the false statement that implicates Dr. Magashule and walk free, but she chose not to compromise her values and principles,” ACT stated.
Cholota is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where the case against her and other accused individuals will continue. The trial, which involves 18 accused including five companies, is set to resume in the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein from 15 April 2025 to 23 June 2025.
The ACT has called on women’s rights organisations and all South Africans who uphold the rule of law to denounce the conduct of the NPA, SAPS, and Interpol in this case. The party has also pledged to provide support to Cholota should she choose to file charges against these agencies for violating her rights.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the ACT remains steadfast in its assertion that the charges against Magashule and his associates are part of a broader political agenda aimed at discrediting key figures opposed to President Cyril Ramaphosa. The party has vowed to continue advocating for justice and transparency in what it describes as a “fabricated case.”
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