Mapisa-Nqakula’s corruption trial postponed as she seeks discharge

Mapisa-Nqakula's corruption trial postponed as she seeks discharge The Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria on Thursday postponed the high-profile corruption trial of former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to August 20. The postponement comes at the request of her defence team to secure the transcribed case records required to file an application for a discharge. The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) confirmed that the pause in proceedings will allow the defence to prepare an application in terms of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act. This statutory provision allows an accused person to apply for an acquittal at the close of the prosecution's case if they believe there is no credible evidence showing they committed the offence. IDAC Spokesperson Henry Mamothame explained that Mapisa-Nqakula has formally placed it on record in court that she will pursue this discharge. The former Speaker faces substantial criminal charges, including 12 counts of corruption for allegedly abusing her official capacity, one count of money laundering linked to State contracts, R4.5-million solicited from a prominent State service provider and R2.1-million allegedly received as direct cash payments. The State has now officially closed its case after presenting its evidence and witnesses. The prosecution team is currently awaiting the formal heads of argument from Mapisa-Nqakula's legal representation regarding the discharge application. Once received, the State will draft and file its counter-reply ahead of the resumed court session next Thursday.