South Africa’s former parliamentary speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, is back in court as her corruption trial continues in Pretoria. A new defence witness is expected to testify on Friday.
The former defence minister faces 12 corruption charges and one money laundering charge. Prosecutors accuse her of receiving illegal payments from a military contractor.
However, Mapisa-Nqakula denies all the allegations.
According to Africanews, the trial is scheduled to continue until November 20.
Corruption allegations against former speaker
Prosecutors allege that Mapisa-Nqakula requested $266,000 in kickbacks while serving as South Africa’s defence minister.
They claim she used her position to help a military contractor secure government tenders.
Furthermore, prosecutors allege that she received approximately $130,000 from the contractor.
They say she used some of that money to pay workers who renovated her home. According to the prosecution, she made those payments in cash.
However, Mapisa-Nqakula has rejected the accusations. The court has not reached a final verdict.
She resigned as Speaker of the National Assembly in 2024 amid the allegations.
New witnesses expected in corruption trial
The corruption trial resumed this week at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.
A new defence witness is expected to appear on Friday.
Meanwhile, Mapisa-Nqakula’s lawyer plans to summon two additional witnesses. Both work in the South African Defence Force’s finance department.
The lawyer said the officials had been reluctant to testify. As a result, the defence is seeking subpoenas to secure their attendance.
Their testimony could provide further information about the financial transactions examined during the trial.
Court proceedings resume after illness
The trial previously faced delays after Mapisa-Nqakula became ill while testifying on September 9.
Consequently, the court suspended proceedings.
On October 2, a judge authorised an arrest warrant after she failed to attend a scheduled hearing.
However, authorities held the warrant until her next court appearance.
Mapisa-Nqakula returned to court on Wednesday and resumed her testimony.
Trial set to continue until November 20
The corruption trial remains a significant legal case involving a former senior South African official.
Prosecutors are seeking to establish whether Mapisa-Nqakula received illegal payments during her time as defence minister.
Meanwhile, the defence continues to challenge the allegations and present its evidence.
The court is expected to hear further testimony before the scheduled end of proceedings on November 20.
Mapisa-Nqakula remains innocent unless proven guilty.