Prosecution in Mapisa-Nqakula case says it's closing in on a second suspect

PRETORIA - The prosecution team in Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s corruption case says it’s closing in on a second suspect.
 
Mapisa-Nqakula made her long-anticipated first court appearance at the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Thursday.

She was granted R50,000 bail.
 
She faces 12 counts of corruption and one of money laundering. 
 
It’s alleged she received over R4.5 million in kickbacks from a defence contractor back when she was the Defence Minister. 

READ: MALAIKA MAHLATSI: Mapisa-Nqakula illustrates how freedom fighters can become perpetrators

In her court affidavit, Mapisa-Nqakula made several references to how weak she thinks the State’s case is against her. 
 
However, State prosecutor Bheki Manyathi said the State’s case is very strong. 
 
Manyathi also hit back at the defence’s accusation that its case relies on the single testimony of an accused-turned-state-witness person.
 
“There is ample independent evidence that is corroborating the single witness who allegedly paid the gratifications. I stand here, I tell this court that as an officer, the case is not weak, on the contrary.”
 
Manyathi said when the matter returns to court on 4 June, Mapisa-Nqakula will be joined by a second accused person in the dock.