The state has wrapped up its cross-examination of former Defence Minister and Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, in the Pretoria High court on Thursday.

Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and one of money laundering, stemming from her time as Minister of Defence.

The state alleges that she solicited illicit cash payments from a military contractor, to the tune of R4.5 million.

During cross examination, the state probed her on why she would allow a military contractor to have such open access to her.

Mapisa-Nqakula had previously stated it was their shared calling for traditional healing that began their “friendship”.

Her defence allowed her further opportunity to explain during her re-examination. She made use of a court interpreter.

“I do not want to tell lies my lady, it was the first time that I came across someone who travelled the same journey I travelled here in Gauteng, a spiritual journey my lady.”

VIDEO | Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s cross examination: