Moroadi Cholota Returns to South Africa Amid Corruption Charges

Moroadi Cholota, the former personal assistant of Ace Magashule, touched down in South Africa on Thursday evening after being extradited from the United States.

Her flight landed at OR Tambo International Airport, marking a significant moment in the ongoing investigation into the Free State asbestos scandal. Cholota had been living in the US, but South African authorities successfully pursued her extradition.

During her time as Magashule’s assistant, she was considered an essential witness in a case involving R255 million worth of corruption linked to an asbestos tender. However, her refusal to cooperate with the investigation led to her being charged.

At the airport, Cholota was welcomed by a heavy police presence. The South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Interpol unit escorted her from the plane, and she was handed over to the Hawks, who are responsible for investigating serious organized crime.

Brigadier Athlenda Mathe from the national police stated that Interpol’s extradition unit received the necessary surrendering warrant on August 1. Following strict protocols, a team was dispatched to the US to meet with US Marshals for Cholota’s handover.

Once her arrival was announced, several Hawks vehicles and officers were seen preparing to take her into custody. After being informed about the charges she is facing, Cholota was placed in a Hawks vehicle and taken away for processing.

Cholota is currently facing charges of fraud, corruption, and money laundering. She is expected to appear in court in Bloemfontein on Monday.