Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, has been granted bail set at R50,000 by the Pretoria Magistrates Court. Presiding Magistrate Anna Oosthuizen has ordered Mapisa-Nqakula to surrender her passport and to avoid any contact with witnesses. The case has been postponed to 4 June 2024 for further proceedings.
Advocate Graham Kerr-Phillips, representing Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, read out her prepared affidavit in which she claims the case against her is weak and contends that she has been left in the dark regarding the specific charges, learning about them only through the media. Further reinforcing his client’s plea for bail, the advocate highlighted her lack of prior convictions, her strong family and property ties to Johannesburg, and referenced several media articles to question the strength of the state’s case.
Kerr-Phillips criticised the reliance on a witness who, he suggests, may have testified against Mapisa-Nqakula in hopes of having their own charges dropped, dismissing the notion that the interdict sought to evade arrest was instead aimed at preventing “malicious prosecution”. He also assured the court of Mapisa-Nqakula’s non-interference with the state’s investigation and emphasised the severe personal and reputational damage she would suffer from pre-trial detention. Concerns about her health were raised, noting that she suffers from hypertension requiring regular medical care – a need allegedly unmet in South Africa’s “overcrowded” and “unsafe” prisons.
On the other side, State Prosecutor Bheki Manyathi described the defence’s attempt to undermine the state’s case as “undesirable”. He outlined reasons for not opposing bail, including Mapisa-Nqakula’s age, her cooperative attitude so far, and her lack of flight risk. However, Manyathi disputed the claim that the state’s case is weak, revealing that aside from the main witness, there is additional corroborating evidence. There was discussion about the bail amount, with the state initially asking for R100,000, a figure the defence argued was beyond Mapisa-Nqakula’s financial reach due to her recent resignation and loss of income.
Mapisa-Nqakula recently resigned amid these corruption allegations, a move that came after the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria dismissed her application to prevent an arrest. She has been accused of demanding R2.3 million in illicit payments from defence contractors, charges she denies, insisting on her willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
Her resignation was met with a mixed response, with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party categorising it as a consequence of public pressure. The EFF strongly criticised her attempt to evade arrest, interpreting it as a refusal to cooperate with legal procedures and evidence of deeper issues within the ANC, calling for immediate investigation and prosecution.
Mapisa-Nqakula’s resignation, while distancing herself from guilt, aims to preserve the integrity and sanctity of the Parliament. She expressed hope that she would clear her name through appropriate legal forums, maintaining her innocence and dedication to the ANC, a party she has served for over 30 years.
________________________________________
Central News E-edition 046: Download the latest weekly edition of Central News Print and Digital Newspaper. Article : “Midvaal Mayor facilitates distribution of 185 title deeds to Sicelo Housing beneficiaries”
Download Here:
Read our latest publication on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
________________________
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube