THE African Congress for Transformation (ACT) has come out strongly in defence of Moroadi Cholota, the former personal assistant to ACT leader Dr Ace Magashule.
This is after Cholota's acquittal this week in the long-running R255 million asbestos corruption case.
The party also condemned the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for yet another trial postponement, calling it "a politically motivated farce aimed at silencing dissent".
Cholota's charges were dismissed after the Free State High Court found her extradition from the United States was unlawful, leading to a ruling that the court had no jurisdiction to try her.
The state has indicated plans to appeal the decision, either directly to the Supreme Court of Appeal or by aligning the matter with a pending Constitutional Court case concerning extradition procedures.
Despite the ruling, the NPA insists that Cholota remains a central figure in the case.
"We will bring a complete and thorough application for leave to appeal shortly. We cannot proceed without her, as she forms an integral part of the case," said state prosecutor Advocate Johan de Nysschen.
The trial has been postponed to 26 January 2026, a move that drew sharp criticism from Magashule and his supporters.
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Reacting to the developments, the ACT said Cholota's acquittal confirmed its long-held belief that the asbestos case was never about justice.
"Her vindication confirms what we have always maintained. This case has nothing to do with corruption but is a blatant political witch-hunt," said ACT spokesman Rev. Mohau Khumalo.
"The NPA's repeated delays, while claiming to be ready, are not only suspicious but an insult to the intelligence of South Africans."
Khumalo accused the state of attempting to coerce Cholota into falsely implicating Magashule and using the legal system to destroy the political careers of opponents.
"This is a textbook case of lawfare. The abuse of state institutions to settle political scores must be condemned in the strongest terms," he said.
The party has issued a list of demands, including immediate withdrawal of charges against Magashule or a swift continuation of the trial.
It is also calling for an independent inquiry into the politicisation of the NPA.
"We call on all progressive forces, civil society, and ordinary citizens to reject this culture of selective prosecution. The time for political trials is over. The time for transformation and true justice is now," said Khumalo.
