Ace Magashule. (Mlungisi Louw /Gallo images)
The US has thrown its weight behind South Africa’s request for the extradition of former Free State premier Ace Magashule’s corruption-accused ex-PA after finding prosecutors had produced overwhelming evidence of her culpability.
In court papers filed at the Maryland District Court, US attorney Erek Barron said the extradition request compiled by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) contained numerous pieces of evidence that supported their allegations that Magashule’s ex-PA, Moroadi Cholota, “knew about, and participated in, the illicit contract and kickback scheme” he is accused of.
According to Barron, this corroborating evidence included the fact Cholota “possessed two bank accounts, one for her personal transactions, including her receipt of her pay checks for her employment at the premier’s office, and another account that was undisclosed to authorities and received unknown cash deposits as well as transfers from service providers, individuals related to service providers, ANC members, individuals with a close relationship with Magashule, and other government officials mainly within the Office of the Premier”.
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