Retired South African General Testifies in Mapisa-Nqakula Corruption Trial
A retired South African army general testified in the corruption trial of former Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, telling the court that he ordered his wife to halt alleged bribe payments once he learned about them.
Retired Major General Noel Ndhlovu appeared in the Pretoria High Court, where he is among several witnesses in the case against Mapisa-Nqakula. According to testimony reported by AllAfrica, Ndhlovu said his wife had acknowledged making payments linked to Mapisa-Nqakula and that he instructed her to stop.
Background of the Case
Mapisa-Nqakula served as Minister of Defence and Military Veterans before being elected Speaker of the National Assembly, a position she held until her resignation amid corruption allegations. She has since been charged with multiple counts of corruption and money laundering linked to her time as defence minister. The case has attracted sustained public attention in South Africa, where procurement in the security sector has been the subject of repeated scrutiny by the National Prosecuting Authority and the Special Investigating Unit.
Ndhlovu’s testimony illustrates how relatives and close associates of senior military figures have been drawn into the allegations. Mapisa-Nqakula has denied wrongdoing, and her lawyers have contested aspects of the prosecution’s case. Defence counsel is expected to cross-examine Ndhlovu as the trial advances.
Broader Significance
The trial is being closely watched as a measure of South Africa’s capacity to pursue high-profile corruption cases and to hold former cabinet ministers accountable through the courts. Proceedings are set to continue in coming weeks, with further witnesses expected to take the stand.
Sources
This report was written from coverage published by the following news organisations. Follow the links for the original reporting.
