The Pretoria High Court has postponed Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s application to access Sections B and C of the police docket in her corruption case.
Story Summary:
- The Pretoria High Court has postponed Mapisa-Nqakula’s application to access confidential sections of the police docket to 20 January 2025.
- The state argues that the requested sections are irrelevant and confidential, while Mapisa-Nqakula claims they are essential to her defence.
- Allegations of R2.3 million in bribes during her tenure as Defence Minister remain central to the investigation.
Mapisa-Nqakula’s application to access state documents postponed
The case, initially set to be heard on 3 December 2024, was postponed to 20 January 2025 after the state requested additional time to prepare its arguments.
Prosecutor Bheki Manyathi explained that the “voluminous” nature of the application necessitated the delay.
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“The state needs time to ensure a comprehensive response to the submissions made,” he stated.
The sections Mapisa-Nqakula seeks include the investigation diary and correspondence between investigating officers.
These, according to her legal team, are critical for preparing her defence.
However, the state contends that these documents are confidential and irrelevant to the charges she faces.
State’s reasons for withholding key sections of the police docket
The state has firmly opposed Mapisa-Nqakula’s application, asserting that Sections B and C will not be used as evidence during the trial and therefore should remain undisclosed.
Generally, this argument often hinges on balancing the defendant’s right to a fair trial with the state’s need to protect investigative processes.
In its filings, the state indicated that disclosing such documents could compromise confidentiality and potentially reveal sensitive details about the investigation.
Mapisa-Nqakula’s legal team has countered, claiming that the requested sections may reveal exculpatory evidence or flaws in the investigation.
Allegations of fraud resurface as legal battle intensifies
This postponement is the latest chapter in Mapisa-Nqakula’s legal saga.
As a former Defence Minister, she stands accused of soliciting over R2 million in bribes between 2016 and 2019.
According to affidavits by military logistics contractor Nombasa Ndhlovu, Mapisa-Nqakula allegedly demanded cash payments in connection with a suspended SANDF tender.
The National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate has conducted several high-profile actions in the case, including a search-and-seizure operation at Mapisa-Nqakula’s residence earlier this year.
The investigation has also implicated other senior figures in the Defence Ministry.
