Mapisa-Ngcakula might have ran out of political favour

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Former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Ngcakula seems to have ran out of luck politically and otherwise following her corruption and fraud allegations late last month.

Reports made circulation earlier this week about a letter and request allegedly made by her to her former portfolio, National Defense department allegedly asking for financial assistance for her legal fees to fight the case at hand.

However, the current Defense Minister Thandi Modise was not happy with how the matter was handled and how the letter passed through certain people except her as the Minister.

Mapisa-Ngcakula is facing charges of corruption and money laundering amounting to over R4-million. The money was allegedly received in bribes during her tenure as Defense Minister. She said the reason for her to submit the request through major General Eric Mnisi is because he is the head of legal services in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

Modise said through a statement that she will apply her mind to the matter.

“The request, unfortunately came through the office of the head of legal service in the …Defence Force, Major General Eric Mnisi. He then actioned it prior to seeking counsel from either the minister nor the secretary of defence Dr Thobekile Gamede, who is also the accounting officer. This particularly on matters that have financial implications on the department.

“General Mnisi’s handling of the matter without following existing protocols is tantamount to disrespect of executive authority in the Department of Defence. The minister instructed  Dr Gamede to look into general Mnisi’s handling of the matter. This from an administrative and process point of view. There are protocols that must be followed for such requests,” reads the statement.