Mapisa-Nqakula’s lawyer says her absence from court due to ill health

Former Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula's legal team has disclosed that her absence from the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Friday was due to ill health. Initially, no sick note was provided, leading the court to issue a warrant for her arrest. However, this warrant will be retained until November 11th when the trial is set to continue.

Mapisa-Nqakula stands accused of corruption and money laundering charges, stemming from allegations that she solicited payments from a defense contractor, Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, while in office from 2016 to 2019. The solicitation allegedly amounted to over R4 million in bribes. Mapisa-Nqakula's attorney, Makhi Nogaga, explained that her health was the reason for her absence, stating that no medical diagnosis was possible as they are not medical professionals. After consulting with a doctor, Mapisa-Nqakula was advised to take time off to rest and recover.