2024 has seen the arrests of high-ranking politicians like former Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, former Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa, and former African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson and ANC NEC member, Pule Mabe.
All three politicians, who found themselves on the wrong side of the law, were nabbed for corruption and bribery allegations linked to kickbacks that involved government contracts.
However, would tell a different tale when all three politicians would find themselves on the wrong side of the law.
Mapisa-Nqakula
Mapisa-Nqakula was the first to face the wrath of the law. She faces corruption allegations during her tenure as Defence Minister.
It is alleged that she solicited and received R2.3 million in bribes.
State Prosecutor Advocate Bheki Manyathi, read out her charges at the Pretoria Magistrates Court.
“Your worship, the charges against Mrs Mapisa Nqakula are 12 counts of corruption under Preca (Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004) and one of money laundering under the POCA (Proceeds of Crime Act 2002). It is common cause that the charges form within scheduled five of the Criminals’ Procedures Act. And the onus is on the applicant to satisfy this court by producing evidence.”
She will return to court in January 2025 following yet another postponement in December.
Meanwhile, her legal representation, Advocate Willis Reginald, says she will make an application to the Pretoria High Court for the relaxation of her bail conditions.
Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula | Case adjourned to January 2025:
Zizi Kowda
While South Africans were still reeling from the news of Mapisa-Nqakula’s arrest, Kodwa together with his co-accused former EOH Executive, Jehan Mackay, would also be nabbed.
Kodwa was also charged under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act for allegedly soliciting bribes to the tune of R1.7 million.
“It is in contravention of section 3 read with relevant sections of the Prevention and Combinating of Corrupt Activities Act of 2004. On page eight, it is further the following charges my lord. That is the contravention of section four read with 11 sections of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. The state submits that the charges preferred against both the accused fall in the ambits of schedule five.”
Kodwa can breathe a sigh of relief for now after the charges against him were dropped.
He says he will return to serve the ANC after resigning his ministerial position as Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture.
Kodwa Corruption Case | Kodwa welcomes withdrawal of charges:
Pule Mabe
Mabe was also arrested in October alongside six co-accused. They were charged with 16 counts of fraud, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act.
This was for a contract set to supply the Gauteng Agriculture and Rural Development Department with 200 waste management three-wheel vehicles for small businesses.
Making his first appearance at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court along with his co-accused, Mabe vehemently denied all charges.
“I accept that the charges levelled against me are serious, but I deny that I’m guilty of any charges, or that I’ve committed any of those acts as alleged in the charge sheet. I’m absolutely convinced that should I be required to stand trial I will not be found guilty of any of the charges preferred against me. I submit that I have no intention of fleeing across the border of South Africa or in any way trying to evade my trial.”
The case of Mabe and his co-accused has been postponed until next year February.
Pule Mabe responds to fraud allegations:
