State concludes cross-examination of Mapisa-Nqakula

The prosecution concluded its examination of former Defence Minister and National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula in Pretoria High Court on Thursday. Mapisa-Nqakula stands accused of 12 counts of corruption and one count of money laundering, all linked to her tenure as Minister of Defence. The prosecution claims she received illicit payments of R4.5 million from a military contractor.

During cross-examination, the prosecution questioned her about allowing such a contractor to have extensive access to her. Mapisa-Nqakula previously claimed their relationship was rooted in their shared interest in traditional healing. Her defense team was given the chance to clarify during re-examination. The defense included the use of a court interpreter.

Mapisa-Nqakula asserted, "I do not want to tell lies my lady, it was the first time that I came across someone who travelled the same journey I travelled here in Gauteng, a spiritual journey my lady."