Pretoria – Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise on Friday said she was considering a request by former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula for legal representation in her corruption case.
The former Speaker, who is out on R50 000 bail, is accused of accepting millions of rand in bribes when she was defence minister.
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“The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Ms. Thandi Modise has, as of the 19th of April 2024, received a request by her predecessor Ms. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula for the department to assist her with legal representation in her corruption case,” the department said.
“The request, unfortunately, came through the office of Head of Legal Service in the South African National Defence Force, Major General Eric Mnisi who then actioned it prior to seeking counsel from either the Minister nor the Secretary for Defence, Dr. Thobekile Gamede who is also the accounting officer, particularly on matters that have financial implications on the department.”
The department said General Mnisi’s handling of the matter without following existing protocols was tantamount to disrespect of executive authority in the Department of Defence.
“I have instructed the Secretary for Defence, Dr. Gamede to look into General Mnisi’s handling of the matter from an administrative and process point of view as there are protocols that must be followed for such requests,” said Minister Modise.
The department said Minister Modise was “applying her mind on the request by Ms. Mapisa-Nqakula and will subject it to the prescripts of the law with the view of protecting public funds”.
