NPA does U-turn on charging second accused in Mapisa-Nqakula case

The case against former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has been postponed to 9 July. 

Mapisa-Nqakula appeared briefly at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 4 June. She faces 12 charges of corruption and one for money laundering. She allegedly received R4.5 million in kickbacks from a contractor during her tenure as Defence Minister. This was between 2016 and 2019.

NOSIVIWE MAPISA-NQAKULA’S CASE TO MOVE TO THE HIGH COURT

During the proceedings, the State confirmed that they had retreated from the second accused, who was supposed to be charged alongside the former Speaker. 

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Investigating Directorate (ID) spokesperson Henry Mamothame said that after careful consideration, they decided not to charge the second individual, whom he would not name. 

Mamothame said the person was only going to be charged with money laundering. However, after careful consideration, they concluded that the evidence was not going to stand the test of time in court.  He could not confirm whether the individual was high-profile. 

On whether the State has a solid case against Mapisa-Nqakula, Mamothame said they are confident and that the matter would not be before court if they did not believe that the evidence they have would stand the test of time in a trial court. However the final decision lies with the judge.

CASE TO MOVE TO THE HIGH COURT

Mapisa-Nqakula is expected to return to the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on 9 July for a transfer date as the matter will be indicted to the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. Thereafter, the matter will be on the pre-trial roll.

The State also confirmed that it has sent the list of witnesses to Mapisa-Nqakula. Part of her bail conditions was that she does not contact any of the witnesses.

Additionally, the former Speaker’s bail has been extended.

As previously reported  The South African, an affidavit filed by the owner of Umkhombe Marine Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu Mapisa-Nqakula received cash bribes delivered in gift bags from the company. This was between 2016 and 2019.

In turn, Umkhombe Marine was awarded tenders worth over R200 million for freight and logistics to the SANDF.

The contractor alleged that the Speaker demanded bribes amounting to approximately R5 million over two years.

“Cash payments ranging from R100 000 to R500 000 from 16th to 25th February, 13 March, 18 May 2018 and between 22 May, 5 and July 2018 while travelling to Ghana are some dates and amounts the minister extorted from our client,” she said in a statement.