South African court adjourns hearing in former defence minister Mapisa-Nqakula’s case
In Pretoria, South Africa, the High Court adjourned a hearing in the case of former Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula early after she fell ill while giving testimony. The accused was escorted to a car to receive medical assistance, TimesLIVE reports.
Charges in the case
Mapisa-Nqakula was testifying in her own case for the third time. She faces 12 charges of corruption and one charge of money laundering. The case concerns her time as defence minister between 2016 and 2019.
According to the prosecution, the former official allegedly demanded 4.5 million rand in bribes, of which 2.1 million rand was allegedly handed over in cash. Investigators say the money came from South African National Defence Force logistics contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu in exchange for obtaining and retaining state contracts.
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On Wednesday, Mapisa-Nqakula spoke about cash payments for renovations to her home in the Bruma area, as well as funds spent during foreign trips.
Health condition of the accused
Mapisa-Nqakula’s lawyer, Makhi Nogaga, said after the adjournment was announced that his client had felt unwell and consulted a doctor. According to him, the main issue was fatigue, and signs of exhaustion had been noticeable the previous day. He also noted that the trial, which began on July 20, had physically exhausted his client.
The defence had hoped to complete the main examination of Mapisa-Nqakula on Wednesday, after which the prosecution was to begin cross-examination. Nogaga said that her ability to return to court on Thursday would depend on the doctor’s assessment. The hearing was postponed until Thursday.
