By Teboho Moloi
Bloemfontein – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State has expressed disappointment at the Bloemfontein High Court’s decision in the extradition case of Moroadi Cholota, the former personal assistant to then Free State Premier Ace Magashule.
Cholota had challenged her arrest and extradition as unlawful after she was detained in the United States by the FBI and brought back to South Africa in August 2024 under heavy security. She has been linked to the R255 million Free State asbestos corruption case.
Originally, Cholota was listed as a state witness in the matter, but she was later added to the list of accused. Since her detention, she has consistently contested the legality of her extradition.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Bloemfontein High Court ruled her extradition unlawful and ordered her release.
Delivering the judgment, Judge Phillip Loubser stated that South African authorities misled their U.S. counterparts to secure her return.
“The court found that the extradition process was flawed, as the Minister of Justice did not make the request, which is a legal requirement,” said Judge Loubser.
DA Free State provincial chairperson Roy Jankielsohn said the party remains hopeful that the broader case will continue and that those implicated in the alleged corruption will face justice.
Former premier of Free State PA, Moroadi Cholota.
“There are many witnesses, and the case is much bigger than one individual. What is important for us is that the trial proceeds and that those responsible for looting R255 million from the people of the Free State are held accountable in court,” Jankielsohn said.
It remains unclear how Cholota’s release will impact the ongoing corruption trial involving Magashule and his co-accused, including businessman Edwin Sodi.
