Former Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula Released on R50k Bail Amidst Multi-Million Rand Corruption Scandal
Former Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, has been granted bail of R50,000 by Magistrate Anna Oosthuizen.
Mapisa-Nqakula appeared for the first time at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court following her surrender at the Lyttelton Police Station on Thursday morning. She faces a schedule five offence.
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Mapisa-Nqakula’s First Appearance: Charges and Accusations Unveiled
Allegations against Mapisa-Nqakula involve receiving bribes and gratifications totalling R2.3 million from a businesswoman accused of fraud. The businesswoman purportedly secured defence contracts worth R210 million. The state disclosed that Mapisa-Nqakula, alongside another accused, will be required to surrender themselves.
The charges against Mapisa-Nqakula span corruption and money laundering, stemming from her tenure as South Africa’s Defense Minister. The court revealed that she faces 12 counts of corruption under the Preca (Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act) and one count of money laundering under the Poca (Prevention of Organised Crime Act).
“The charges fall within Schedule 5 of the Criminal Procedure Act, and it is incumbent upon the applicant to demonstrate to this court why her release on bail is justified in the interest of justice,” stated the state.
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Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula Released on R50k Bail
Lead prosecutor, advocate Bheki Manyathi, expressed no opposition to bail pending further developments in the defence’s case.
In an affidavit presented by Mapisa-Nqakula’s defence, advocate Graham Kerr-Phillips emphasized her non-flight risk status and medical condition of “dangerous hypertension” requiring continuous medication.
“The state’s inability to retrieve two designer handbags supposedly linked to the corruption case against me, along with a bear skin whose relevance remains unclear, undermines their case,” asserted Kerr-Phillips, adding that the seized wig was just one of many possessed by Mapisa-Nqakula.
Mapisa-Nqakula agreed to comply with bail conditions, surrendering her passport and refraining from applying for a new one. She is scheduled to appear in court again on 4 June.
