Ex-National Assembly Speaker Nisiviwe Mapisa makes court appearance in Pretoria

Mapisa-Nqokula (67) The former National Assembly speaker appeared in the Magistrates Court in Pretoria (Sowetan Live)

Wendy Masombuka

(The Post News) – Former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula (67) appeared at Pretoria Magistrates Court on April 4th, following her surrender to Lyttelton Police Station in Centurion on Thursday. Having resigned from her esteemed position on April 3rd, just before her surrender, Mapisa-Nqakula faces charges related to 12 counts of corruption and money laundering totaling R2.3 million in bribes during her tenure as defense minister.

Mapisa-Nqokula had been delaying arrest for weeks now, but she appeared at the Magistrates Court at last. She was expected to apply for bail, and the National Prosecuting Authority assured that it would not dispute Mapisa’s bail application set for R50 000, even though the prosecutor requested an amount of R100 000, judging from the huge sums of money she is accused of receiving from bribes. “The court is satisfied with the amount initially suggested for bail, as R50,000 is adequate in this matter,“ said Magistrate Anna Oosthuizen.

Graham Kerr-Philips, the lawyer of the accused, read her affidavit, and she stated that she was clueless about the case brought against her as she believed that any evidence that was presented against her was not validated after the police searched her home in March. “My resignation is in no way an indication or admission of guilt regarding the allegations being leveled against me,“ said Mapisa on Wednesday.

Mapisa said her arrest could result in the ANC party removing her as soon as she faces criminal charges; this is also known as the step-aside rule. Bail conditions for Mapisa-Nqokula were issued, and she is required to hand over her passport to the state by Monday, April 8th. The former speaker should also not apply for a new passport, as that could cause issues with the state.

Health concerns from Mapisa and her lawyer were brought to attention as she is an elderly person and the conditions of prison worry that they are not in any state of detaining offenders. “My client suffers from hypertension, and it’s dangerous. She is on medication,” stated her lawyer, Graham Kerr-Philpes. That is why Prosecutor Manyathi stated that her bail application will not be denied, as she might be at risk considering her health.

The court was adjourned to June 4, 2024, as the state is to add another accused to the ongoing case, and Prosecutor Manyathi stated that Mapisa-Nqokula’s case is a strong one as it is most likely to be transferred to the High Court.