Cape Town – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has threatened legal action against Defence Minister Thandi Modise if she grants former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula legal representation for her corruption trial.
DA defence spokesperson Kobus Marais criticised Mapisa-Nqakula’s request as irregular and arrogant.
“Mapisa-Nqakula is being charged in her personal capacity for alleged acts of fraud and corruption and therefore should not be seeking legal aid from the public purse that she contemptuously abused in the commission of the alleged crimes,” EWN quoted Marais as saying.
Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 charges of corruption and money laundering related to tenders at the defence department, leading to her early departure from Parliament.
She has requested legal representation from the Department of Defence for her forthcoming trial.
However, this request has caused tensions within the department, with Modise reportedly being displeased with officials who initiated the process without consulting her, the report said.
Suspension
Times Live reported that Modise has expressed concern over the handling of the request by the SANDF’s head of legal services, Major-Genera Eric Mnisi, who acted without proper approval.
She criticised Mnisi for handling the matter without adhering to established protocols, viewing it as a disregard for executive authority within the department.
“I have instructed Dr (Thobekile) Gamede (Secretary for defence) to look into General Mnisi’s handling of the matter from an administrative and process point of view as there are protocols that must be followed for such requests,” the report quoted Modise as saying.
Despite Mnisi’s actions, no assistance has been provided to Mapisa-Nqakula.
Modise said that she is considering Mapisa-Nqakula’s request and will evaluate it based on legal regulations, aiming to safeguard public funds.
The presidency has confirmed it will not cover her legal fees, citing the separation of powers between the executive and the legislature.
Marais also called for the suspension of the department’s legal head, Major-General Eric Mnisi, for processing the request without Modise’s approval.
The DA threatened court action if Modise grants Mapisa-Nqakula’s request, with her trial scheduled for June.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
