Former Free State premier Ace Magashule expressed his displeasure over the treatment of his former personal assistant, Moroadi Cholota, who was arrested after being extradited from the U.S. on charges connected to the R255 million asbestos tender corruption case. Cholota was extradited on Thursday, and her arrival in South Africa was met with significant security, which Magashule's spokesperson, Mohau Khumalo, criticized, likening it to treating her as a "terrorist."

Khumalo argued that Cholota was unfairly portrayed as if she had fled South Africa, and he condemned the heavy police presence and lack of basic personal items provided to her. Khumalo stressed that Cholota is innocent until proven guilty and should have been treated with dignity. He suggested that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) was trying to instill fear in her, possibly to coerce her into becoming a state witness. However, Hawks spokesperson Col Philani Nkwalase defended the security measures, citing safety concerns related to the case, including the killing of a suspect.

Cholota appeared in the Bloemfontein magistrate's court, facing charges of fraud, corruption, and money laundering. Khumalo also questioned the strength of the NPA's case, noting the lengthy process and previous delays in the trial. He asserted that Magashule remains unconcerned about the proceedings.