The African Congress for Transformation (ACT) has accused the SAPS, Interpol and FBI of harassing Ace Magashule’s former personal assistant Moroadi Cholota.
According to the party, Cholota was harassed in an attempt to force her into signing a statement that sought to implicate Magashule in the wrongdoing in the asbestos case.
“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.
“Nevertheless, she has remained steadfast, as evidenced by her confident and undeterred demeanour during her entrance at the airport. She walked with poise and unaffected by the presence of media cameras, displaying her unwavering conviction in the truth and her willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for it.
“We appreciate the courage displayed by Ms Cholota, akin to individuals like Ms Winnie Mandela, who remained steadfast in the face of peril. ACT appreciates and commends Ms Cholota for her bravity,” the party said over the weekend.
Interpol spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the police and Interpol would not comment on allegations.
“We cannot comment on allegations that we don’t know,” Mathe said.
Cholota was successfully brought back to South Africa after her extradition was authorised by the US government on July 31.
She landed at the OR Tambo International Airport under the escort of law enforcement on Thursday, and was subsequently handed to the Hawks.
Cholota is facing charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering linked to the asbestos scandal.
Earlier this year, she launched an urgent application in the Constitutional Court, seeking to block her extradition from the US.
However, on July 26, the Concourt dismissed Cholota’s application on the basis that no case had been made out for either urgency or direct access.
She was sought in connection with a R255 million contract awarded in 2014 to the Diamond Hill Trading and Blackhead Consulting joint venture by the Free State Department of Human Settlements.
At the time, the contract was intended for the removal of harmful asbestos from homes in the province.
It was reported that government officials in the Free State received R27m in bribes related to this tender.
The Star
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