Mapisa-Nqakula Trial Adjourned After Former Minister Falls Ill

Trial Adjourns Abruptly as Former Minister Falls Ill

The former National Assembly Speaker grew unwell on Wednesday while testifying about financial records and home renovations. Her legal team quickly secured medical attention and a postponement to Thursday, September 10.

Corruption Charges and Prima Facie Ruling

Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and one count of money laundering.

The charges stem from allegations that she solicited and received roughly R4.5 million from defence contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu between 2016 and 2019. The trial resumed earlier in the week after Judge Mashudu Munzhelele dismissed a Section 174 application, ruling that the State had established a prima facie case requiring a defense.

Courtroom Drama and Testimony on Finances

During Wednesday’s court session, Mapisa-Nqakula wore an isiXhosa traditional outfit and testified through an English interpreter.

As questioning continued regarding financial documents, travel allowances, and home improvements, she appeared visibly uncomfortable, prompting a woman who appeared to be a relative in the courtroom to massage her shoulders. Her lawyer later informed journalists that she was feeling tired and needed medical care, leading to the adjournment.

Testimony on Wednesday centered heavily on financial records and official travel allowances. Mapisa-Nqakula disputed discrepancies in transaction references, explaining that assistants and finance officials frequently experienced administrative delays in processing documents. She also defended her use of foreign currency allowances for official overseas trips, denying that the travel funds originated from illicit payments.

Brushing Off Bribery Allegations Over Renovations

The court examined the timeline of renovations at Mapisa-Nqakula’s Bruma property, which the State alleges were funded by kickbacks from Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu.

The former minister testified that the improvements—including work on carpets, wardrobes, and the kitchen—began years before she moved into the house in 2004. She told the court she never imagined she would have to account for private home renovations in a criminal trial.

Husband’s Promotion and Military Career Scrutinized

This testimony followed her denial on Tuesday of allegations that she demanded a R2 million bribe to secure the military promotion of her husband, retired Major General Noel Ndhlovu.

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Mapisa-Nqakula testified that her husband was not appointed because he lacked security clearance and faced an investigation involving a tender awarded to his wife, making him unappointable. Legal experts monitoring the proceedings note that the trial is unlikely to derail unless a doctor says otherwise.