High court to hear Mapisa-Nqakula's urgent application

JOHANNESBURG - The High Court in Pretoria is expected to hear an urgent bid from National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to interdict the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) from arresting her.

Mapisa-Nqakula is accused of receiving millions of rands in bribes from a contractor during her tenure as the minister of defence.

Last week, law enforcement authorities raided her Johannesburg home as part of ongoing investigations.

There was widespread speculation that she would be handing herself over to be charged on Friday, but this did not materialise.

READ: Mapisa-Nqakula says she's shocked by reports of handing herself over to police

Mapisa-Nqakula wants to arrange a date with her lawyers to appear in court on a summons.

She claims the charges are being trumped up to sully her image in the run-up to the elections
and to trigger the African National Congress' step-aside rule.

She is also accusing the NPA of using apartheid tactics against her.

Mapisa-Nqakula further claims she's been subjected to a trial by media.

The embattled speaker also wants the State to disclose its brief, complete with all the evidence against her.

The NPA's Investigating Directorate is opposing her application, arguing it's baseless and without merit.

Mapisa-Nqakula has taken special leave in the interim