Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and one count of money laundering. The state alleges that between 2016 and 2019, while she served as defence minister, she solicited R4.5 million in bribes from Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, a logistics contractor for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Prosecutors contend that Mapisa-Nqakula pocketed R2.2 million of the alleged payments, which were used to fund home renovations. The former minister has denied all charges, maintaining that the renovations were funded by her salary and state-provided subsistence and travel allowances.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Mapisa-Nqakula completed her testimony after spending several weeks on the witness stand responding to the 13 counts against her. Her lawyers, led by Advocate Siyabulela Mapoma, informed the court that the defence intends to call three additional witnesses. Two of these witnesses are officials in the SANDF finance department. Mapoma stated that although the defence provided the state with the names of these witnesses, they became reluctant to communicate with the defence after being visited by state representatives.
Consequently, the defence has requested to subpoena the two reluctant officials. The court agreed to postpone the matter to Friday to allow one of the willing witnesses to testify while the legal process for the subpoenas is initiated. This procedural step highlights a potential conflict in the trial, as the defence seeks to bring forward individuals who the state has already approached.
The legal complications surrounding Mapisa-Nqakula’s attendance have been significant. She first appeared in court on September 29, but her testimony was halted when she fell ill. A warrant for her arrest was authorized on October 2 after she failed to appear for a scheduled hearing, though her lawyers submitted a sick note. The warrant was held in abeyance until her next scheduled appearance on November 11.
Previous testimony has focused on financial records and tax declarations. The court heard that Mapisa-Nqakula did not declare her subsistence and travel allowances for international trips to the South African Revenue Service. While she acknowledged that her tax affairs are her responsibility, she stated that the Department of Defence handled administrative tax matters during her tenure. She also testified regarding unpaid fees to interior designer Nomsa Shabangu for renovations in Bruma, which cost between R1.7 million and R1.8 million. Mapisa-Nqakula stated that her pension funds were exhausted by legal costs, delaying the final payment to the contractor.
The trial is scheduled to continue from November 11 to November 20, with a second session set for November 30 to December 4. The case centers on the alleged solicitation of payments to secure and maintain government tenders, a charge Mapisa-Nqakula continues to dispute.
