Thabiso Goba9 July 2024 | 8:40

Corruption case against Mapisa-Nqakula transferred to Pretoria High Court

Mapisa-Nqakula made a brief appearance on Tuesday at the Pretoria Magistrates Court, where she was served with an indictment of the charges against her.

Corruption case against Mapisa-Nqakula transferred to Pretoria High Court

Former Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, appears in the Pretoria Magistrates Court on corruption allegations on 4 April 2024. Picture: Thabiso Goba/Eyewitness News

JOHANNESBURG - The corruption case of former parliamentary speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has been transferred to the Pretoria High Court.

Mapisa-Nqakula made a brief appearance on Tuesday at the Pretoria Magistrates Court, where she was served with an indictment of the charges against her.

She faces 12 counts of corruption, and one of money laundering.

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It's alleged as defence minister, she solicited and received kickbacks amounting to R4.5 million from a defence contractor.

The State said it had completed its investigations into the corruption case.

MAINTAINING HER INNOCENCE

The two rows in the court gallery were filled by family and friends of Mapisa-Nqakula, among them her husband and former Cabinet minister Charles Nqakula, and anti-apartheid activist Pam Tshwete.

With Mapisa-Nqakula maintaining her innocence, the matter is now heading to trial.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the State was ready.

“We believe we have sufficient evidence for us to ventilate this matter in a court of law, but as you may know, that decision lies solemnly with the judge. But we believe we have gathered sufficient evidence for us to prosecute Mapisa-Nqakula.”

The matter was adjourned to 16 October for pretrial processes at the Pretoria High Court.