Ex-Magashule PA Cholota set to spend weekend behind bars
The former personal assistant to ex-Free State Premier Ace Magashule is set to spend the weekend behind bars following her extradition from the US.
Moroadi Cholota was extradited to South Africa after she failed to cooperate with authorities in the multi-million-rand asbestos corruption case against the former premier, controversial businessman Edwin Sodi, and 15 others.
Cholota testified at the state capture commission of inquiry, where she implicated Magashule and others in underhanded dealings while he was premier.
Magashule’s former assistant was initially a state witness but was added to the accused person list when she refused to cooperate.
A red alert notice, for suspects evading the law, was issued through Interpol after several attempts to get back into the country to testify failed.
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Speaking to the SABC at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday, national police spokesperson,Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, confirmed South African police travelled to the US to secure Cholota’s return.
“We can confirm that on 1 August we received the surrendering warrant, which is an order given for a wanted fugitive to return to the country where they are wanted. The national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola immediately assembled a team to travel to the USA.
“I can confirm that the team travelled earlier this week where they met with the US marshalls and the suspect was handed over.”
Specialised units were stationed at the airport to meet and escort the Cholota from the aircraft to the police station where she will be handed over to the lead investigator and arrested on the warrant issued by the J50 National Prosecuting Authority.
Mathe said Cholota will spend the weekend behind bars until her appearance in a Free State court next week.
“She will be whisked away to police holding cells and at a later stage she will be transported to Bloemfontein where she is expected to appear in court where she will be formally charged,” said Mathe.
Earlier, Hawks spokesperson Philani Nkwalase said security measures were in place to protect the public and the suspect when she arrived.
Meanwhile, Mathe earlier confirmed that the flight carrying Cholota and her escorts was delayed due to inclement weather.
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