Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula's lawyers are due to argue a discharge application in the Pretoria High Court in her corruption and money-laundering case.
Former National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is expected back in the Pretoria High Court on Monday, where her lawyers are due to argue an application for her discharge.
The application is being brought in terms of section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act. It allows an accused person to ask a court for an acquittal after the prosecution closes its case if the court finds there is no evidence on which a reasonable court could convict.
Mapisa-Nqakula faces corruption and money-laundering charges linked to allegations that she received payments from a defence contractor while serving as defence minister. She has denied wrongdoing.
The hearing is expected to focus on whether the evidence led by the State is sufficient for the trial to continue. A discharge application is not a finding on guilt or innocence unless the court grants it and acquits the accused on the affected charges.
Mapisa-Nqakula resigned as speaker and as a member of Parliament in April 2024 after the corruption allegations and related court proceedings intensified.
The Pretoria High Court will determine the application on the evidence already placed before it. If the application is refused, the defence may proceed with its case. If it is granted, the court may acquit her on some or all of the charges.
