State slams Mapisa-Nqakula’s discharge bid as ‘fishing expedition’
Former South African defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is seeking a discharge in her corruption and money laundering trial. The state argues there is sufficient evidence to proceed, labeling the defense's request a 'fishing expedition'.
Why it matters
This case is a significant test for South Africa's judicial system regarding the accountability of high-ranking government officials accused of graft.
The state has maintained that former defence and military veterans minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has a case to answer regarding allegations of corruption and money laundering.
This comes after Mapisa-Nqakula’s legal team applied for a section 174 discharge in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Monday.
The defence argued that the state failed to build a solid case against her and that there is no evidence proving she committed the alleged offences.
Defence lawyer Siyabulela Mapoma argued that the state’s case relied entirely on inferences and the testimony of a single witness. As the prosecution could not prove all necessary elements of the charges, a discharge should be granted, he said.
Mapoma added that the state’s witness failed to explain to the court the specific reason behind paying the money to the accused.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in