Cape Town – Former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Thursday and has been granted bail of R50 000.
BREAKING NEWS: Former National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has been granted R50 000 bail in her corruption case.
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In her bail application, she cited concerns about potential harm and dire conditions in South African prisons due to her health issues.
She faces charges of corruption and money-laundering dating back to her tenure as defence minister.
BREAKING
The State in the #NosiviweMapisaNqakula alleged corruption saga has told the Magistrate’s Court in Pretoria that a SECOND accused will be arrested or brought before court in this matter.
Mapisa-Nqakula has been granted bail of R50 000.
Matter postponed to 4 June.… pic.twitter.com/3WHLCtGCtt— Chriselda Zozi Lewis (Babes Wendaba) (@Chriseldalewis) April 4, 2024
According to The Citizen, in a 46-page bail application affidavit presented by her lawyer, Graham Kerr-Phillip, Mapisa-Nqakula highlighted the dismal conditions prevalent in South African prisons.
She asserted that government systemic failures have rendered prisons unsafe, lacking proper medical care, and rampant with crime, hindering any prospects of rehabilitation.
Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, through her affidavit, said South African prisons are “incapable of any form of rehabilitation”. TCG
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“South African prisons are dramatically overcrowded… they are riddled with gang activities where gang membership breaches the divide between prisoners and officers of Correctional Services.
“Assault by inmates, as well as Correctional Services officers, is a constant threat [and] membership of gangs is often predicated by the commission of an assault.
“Applying the concept of system failure, South African prisons do not have the facilities available to make provision for my safety and security,” Mapisa-Nqakula said.
She emphasised the lack of access to essential facilities such as ablution and medical services, attributing it to resource shortages and underemployment.
[WATCH] Former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula appears at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on corruption charges.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/sD5qBa9AEx
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) April 4, 2024
“The lack thereof contributes to the spread of disease. Access to medical facilities is virtually non-existent due to a lack of resources and under-employment.”
She added: “I am not a flight risk, I have too much to lose. I have a state pension. I have tendered my cooperation to NPA, Saps and others. I voluntarily came to court today. I have no previous convictions. I have no wish to interfere with the state’s case.”
She emphasised her intention to stand trial, highlighting her lack of previous convictions and cooperation with authorities.
Mapisa-Nqakula, who resigned her speaker post on Wednesday, was formally detained after handing herself in to police.
Mapisa-Nqakula is accused of receiving kickbacks exceeding R2.3 million from a defence contractor during her tenure as South Africa’s defence minister.
Despite her resignation, she maintains her innocence, stating that her decision aims to facilitate legal proceedings.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
