Former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has returned to the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, seeking a relaxation of her bail conditions. Out on R50,000 bail, Mapisa-Nqakula is facing 12 charges of corruption and one count of money laundering.
The case, transferred from the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court in July 2024, has been delayed following the defence’s request for access to confidential sections of the police docket.
Defence Challenges Evidence
Advocate Reginald Willis, representing Mapisa-Nqakula, has argued for access to Sections B and C of the docket, which include internal reports and the investigation diary. The state has resisted this request, asserting these sections will not be used at trial and are therefore confidential.
State prosecutor Bheki Manyathi noted that extensive documentation from the defence necessitated more time to prepare, prompting a further postponement.
Request to Travel Abroad
Mapisa-Nqakula is also applying for relaxed bail conditions to allow international travel. While her diplomatic passport is no longer valid, she plans to obtain a standard passport through the Department of Home Affairs.
Willis stated that his client’s immediate travel plans include a visit to Botswana. The state has requested an affidavit detailing her travel itinerary, including her destination and accommodation, for verification through Interpol.
“We conduct checks through Interpol. If all details are verified, we approach a judge to relax the bail conditions unopposed. However, if issues arise, we will oppose the application,” said Manyathi.
Case Postponed
Judge Mokhine “Papi” Mosopa postponed the case to 20 January 2025, allowing time for both the bail application and the ongoing legal preparations.
Mapisa-Nqakula’s legal challenges come amidst heightened scrutiny, with the outcome of the case potentially having significant political and legal implications.