Former Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who stands accused in a multi-million rand corruption case, is now seeking access to the bank records of the state’s primary witness as part of her legal strategy. Her legal team made this announcement during her brief appearance at the Pretoria High Court on Friday, where the latest developments in the case were heard.
Mapisa, once a high-ranking government official, is facing several counts of corruption and money laundering. According to the state, she allegedly solicited and received bribes totalling R4.5 million from a defence contractor during her tenure as Minister of Defence. These alleged payments, made over a period of time, were reportedly intended to secure government tenders in the defence sector.
The case has drawn significant public interest due to its implications for political accountability and corruption within South Africa’s defence procurement system.
Mapisa Seeks Witness Financial Records
During Friday’s proceedings, Mapisa’s legal counsel, Makhi Nogaga, informed the court that the defence would be requesting further particulars from the state in preparation for the next phase of the trial. Among these requests is access to the full banking details of the complainant, who is also the state’s star witness, businesswoman Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu.
“If I can make an example of the items that we require, we do not have the full bank details of the complainant, which is relevant to the matter,” Nogaga told the court.
The defence believes that these bank records could shed light on the flow of funds and possibly challenge the credibility of the witness’s claims.
The court acknowledged the request, and the matter has been postponed to 18 August to allow both the state and the defence to address outstanding matters, including the submission of additional documentation.
According to the charge sheet filed by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mapisa allegedly accepted large cash payments from Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, a prominent defence contractor and businesswoman. In return, she is accused of using her influence to assist Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu in securing lucrative tenders within the Department of Defence.
The alleged bribes were reportedly handed over in cash, making it challenging to track the transactions through traditional financial channels. However, the state claims to have supporting evidence, including witness testimony and corroborating documentation, to substantiate the charges.
Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, who is now a key witness for the prosecution, is expected to testify that she paid the bribes in exchange for favourable treatment in tender awards. She had initially been investigated as a co-conspirator but has since turned state witness, a move that has drawn criticism and curiosity from the public and legal observers.
At a previous hearing, the presiding judge expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of the case. Delays in exchanging documentation, completing investigations, and securing key witness statements have contributed to the postponement of proceedings on multiple occasions.
The judge urged both parties to streamline their preparations and warned that further unnecessary delays would not be tolerated, especially in a case of such public interest and gravity.
The August court date will be critical for clarifying the timeline of the trial, confirming the availability of witnesses, and reviewing the status of outstanding evidence, including the bank records now being requested by Mapisa’s legal team.
The Mapisa corruption case has added to growing concerns about corruption at the highest levels of government. Civil society organisations and political commentators have pointed to the matter as further evidence of the need for reforms in government procurement and oversight mechanisms.
Public trust in political institutions continues to be tested by ongoing revelations of misconduct, and this case is likely to remain in the spotlight as it unfolds in court. Mapisa, who was once one of the country’s most powerful ministers, has maintained her innocence and insists that the allegations are politically motivated.
As the legal teams prepare for the August court appearance, all eyes will be on whether the defence is granted access to financial records that could potentially alter the course of the case. If the court permits the request, the new evidence may play a pivotal role in how Mapisa’s legal strategy unfolds.
Until then, the former minister remains out on bail, under the watchful eye of the court and the South African public.
Source- EWN