From Madam Speaker to accused number one, but Mapisa-Nqakula says she is unlikely to do time

Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said her position as the speaker of the National Assembly was the third most important in South Africa's democracy - but, hours after resigning from that powerful post, she was charged with corruption and money laundering that could see her spend 15 years behind bars.

However, in a 46-page bail application in which she slams the State's case against her as exceedingly weak, Mapisa-Nqakula also contended that even if she was found guilty, it was unlikely she would be sent to prison.

"If there were a conviction, which prospect I deny, the sentence, if imposed, would more than likely be non-custodial," the former speaker stated in her affidavit, which was read out by advocate Graham Kerr-Phillips SC.