Former defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula appeared in the Pretoria High Court on Monday, 28 September, where she denied allegations of using coded language to solicit money from a defence contractor. During cross-examination in her corruption trial, Mapisa-Nqakula maintained that she had not used coded words to request money from Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, a contractor with the South African National Defence Force.
The state alleges that Mapisa-Nqakula solicited R4.5 million from Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu while serving as defence minister between 2016 and 2019, with R2.1 million paid in cash. Mapisa-Nqakula has pleaded not guilty to 12 corruption counts and one money-laundering count. Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, a state witness, previously testified that words like "impepho", "snuff", and "padkos" were used in requests for money.
Questioned by prosecutor Emile van der Merwe, Mapisa-Nqakula said she had no such codes with the contractor and had not received money from her. She explained that, to her, "impepho" referred to the traditional incense plant itself. This testimony presents a direct dispute between the state's witness and the accused.
Mapisa-Nqakula also denied a suggestion that a R150,000 cash payment had been brought to her home. She stated that if the contractor had brought money, she would have told her to keep it. The former minister expressed her uncertainty about why Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu would make such allegations.
The allegations remain before the court, and Mapisa-Nqakula's denials are not a judicial finding on the charges. The trial will continue to hear evidence and testimony to determine the validity of the allegations. The case has garnered significant attention due to Mapisa-Nqakula's prominent position as former defence minister.
Civil society groups and the public have shown interest in the case, following the developments in the trial. The case raises questions about corruption and accountability within the government and defence sectors. The court will need to carefully consider the evidence presented to reach a verdict.
The trial's outcome will have implications for Mapisa-Nqakula's future and potentially for others involved in the alleged corruption. The court will need to weigh the credibility of the witnesses and the evidence presented to determine the facts of the case.
Key points
- Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula denies using coded language to solicit R4.5 million from defence contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu.
- The state alleges that R2.1 million was paid in cash, while Mapisa-Nqakula has pleaded not guilty to 12 corruption counts and one money-laundering count.
- The trial will continue to hear evidence and testimony to determine the validity of the allegations.
