Former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has been granted R50 000 bail as the State prepares to add another accused in the ongoing corruption and money laundering case involving the former Minister of Defence.

Mapisa-Nqakula appeared at the Pretoria Magistrates' Court on Thursday the 4th of April 2024 facing 12 counts of corruption and money laundering allegations.

The charges stem from accusations that she solicited bribes from a service provider during her time as defence minister.

During the court proceedings, Mapisa-Nqakula was directed to surrender her passport and refrain from contacting any witnesses in the case directly or indirectly.

State prosecutor Bheki Manyathi asserted the strength of the case against the accused, indicating that the matter would be escalated to the high court for trial.

Manyathi  expressed discontent with comments made by Mapisa-Nqakula's lawyer, Graham Kerr-Phillips, who argued that the state lacked substantial evidence against his client.

Manyathi countered, stating that he is a lawyer and deals with facts.

Kerr-Phillips presented Mapisa-Nqakula's affidavit, which highlighted concerns about her ability to cope with potential incarceration due to financial, emotional, and health reasons.

The State disclosed its intention to introduce another accused in the case during the next court appearance on June 4th, 2024.

Additionally, Mapisa-Nqakula plans to seek access to the evidence presented in the police dock.

A search warrant revealed that during a raid at Mapisa-Nqakula's Bruma residence, law enforcement confiscated an expensive handbag and documents related to property renovations.

The State also alleges these were funded by a service provider who is now a State witness.

The key State witness is a military supplier accused of providing cash, bags, and other gifts to Mapisa-Nqakula during her tenure as defence minister.