Former defence and military veterans minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has denied soliciting a R2m bribe to secure her husband's promotion to surgeon general of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Mapisa-Nqakula testified in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, disputing the authenticity of WhatsApp conversations with SANDF logistics contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu. Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu previously testified that Mapisa-Nqakula demanded the bribe.
The WhatsApp exchanges presented in court allegedly showed Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu discussing her husband's promotion with Mapisa-Nqakula. In one message, Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu expressed concern about a document extending the term of then-surgeon general Lt-Gen Aubrey Sedibe. Mapisa-Nqakula allegedly responded, expressing shock and noting that the situation could become "slippery". Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu reportedly responded, expressing trust in Mapisa-Nqakula.
Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and one of money laundering related to her tenure as defence minister between 2016 and 2019. She is accused of soliciting R4.5m in bribes, R2.1m of which was allegedly paid in cash by Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu to secure and retain government contracts. Mapisa-Nqakula denied ever having the exchange with Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, arguing that the phrasing was inconsistent with how she speaks.
Mapisa-Nqakula stated that she had no idea where the messages originated and emphasized that the conversation never took place. She added that no one else, including her husband, children, or friends, had access to her phone. However, when asked to provide her own record of their WhatsApp history, she admitted she did not have one.
State prosecutor Emile van der Merwe pressed Mapisa-Nqakula to admit to demanding the R2m bribe, which she firmly denied. Van der Merwe asserted that Mapisa-Nqakula possessed the authority to ensure her husband's promotion, but Mapisa-Nqakula rejected this, insisting she had no influence over the appointment of SANDF officials.
Mapisa-Nqakula previously testified that her husband was passed over for the surgeon general position due to a lack of security clearance and conduct concerns. She explained that she learned of the reasons behind the decision during discussions with the Council on Defence (COD), which she chaired. She reiterated that she played no oversight role, offered no recommendations, and held no sway in candidate selection.
The trial continues, with Mapisa-Nqakula maintaining her innocence. Her lawyer argued that the WhatsApp conversations were fabricated, and the state has yet to provide conclusive evidence. The case has significant implications for Mapisa-Nqakula's future and the reputation of the SANDF.
Key points
- Mapisa-Nqakula denies soliciting a R2m bribe for her husband's promotion in the SANDF.
- The WhatsApp conversations presented in court allegedly show Mapisa-Nqakula discussing her husband's promotion with Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu.
- Mapisa-Nqakula faces 13 counts of corruption and money laundering related to her tenure as defence minister.
