Former South African Defence Minister Requests Legal Aid for Corruption Trial

Former South African Minister of Defence Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has requested legal assistance from the Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans for her corruption case involving 12 counts of corruption and one count of money laundering. Mapisa-Nqakula, who recently resigned as speaker of the National Assembly, is accused of soliciting and receiving kickbacks from a military contractor during her tenure as defence minister.

The request for state legal funding has caused friction within the defence ministry. Current Defence Minister Thandi Modise expressed anger that the head of legal services in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Major General Eric Mnisi, wrote a letter to the State Attorney's office stating they would pay Mapisa-Nqakula's legal fees without consulting Modise or the secretary of defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede. Modise called Mnisi's actions "tantamount to disrespect of executive authority in the Department of Defence" and ordered an investigation into the handling of the matter.

Why this matters: The case highlights ongoing corruption issues in South Africa's government and military. How the defence ministry handles the former minister's legal aid request will be closely watched as a test of accountability and proper protocols.

Tender Case: Mapisa-Nqakula was officially charged earlier this month and released on R50,000 bail. The case relates to tenders awarded by the defence department during her time as minister. She is due to return to court on June 4, 2024 to face the charges.

Legal Assistance: Minister Modise said she will carefully consider Mapisa-Nqakula's request for legal assistance, subjecting it to the prescripts of the law with a view to protecting public funds. The presidency has confirmed it is not paying for the former minister's legal fees, stating that any issues related to her defence costs must be directed to the independent National Assembly.

Key Takeaways

• Former SA Defense Minister Mapisa-Nqakula charged with 12 counts of corruption.
• Mapisa-Nqakula requests state funding for her legal defense, causing friction in ministry.
• Current Defense Minister Modise orders investigation into handling of Mapisa-Nqakula's request.
• Case highlights ongoing corruption issues in SA government and military.
• Presidency confirms it will not pay for Mapisa-Nqakula's legal fees, directing her to the National Assembly.