Arrest warrant stayed for Mapisa-Nqakula after no-show in court
Former South African defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula faces a potential arrest warrant after failing to appear at her corruption trial for the second time. The court stayed the warrant, allowing her to return on November 11, provided she attends.
Why it matters
The case is a high-profile test of the South African judicial system's ability to hold former government officials accountable for alleged corruption.
Ex-defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is one missed court date away from being arrested after she was a no-show at her corruption trial on Friday, for the second time in just over three weeks.
The Pretoria High Court issued a warrant for her arrest but stayed it, which means it will only be carried out if she fails to appear when the trial resumes on November 11.
Mapisa-Nqakula, who is also a former National Assembly speaker, was due back in the witness box under cross-examination.
Her lawyer, Siyabulela Mapoma, handed in a medical certificate and asked for a postponement.
The state did not oppose the postponement but asked the court to authorise the warrant.
Her evidence was cut short on Tuesday when she told the court she was unwell and could not go on.
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