Key facts
- Witness
- Major General Noel Ndhlovu, military doctor and husband of accuser
- Accusation
- Mapisa-Nqakula allegedly solicited R4.5 million from Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu
- Discrepancy
- Ndhlovu says he learned of payments in 2019; wife says he knew in 2017
- Memory lapse
- Ndhlovu admitted memory deterioration, then withdrew statement
- Court
- Pretoria High Court
Background
The trial of former Defence Minister and National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is underway in the Pretoria High Court. She faces allegations of corruption linked to her time as Minister of Defence, with a contractor accusing her of soliciting R4.5 million.
The State has called Major General Noel Ndhlovu, a military doctor, as a witness. He is married to Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) contractor who has accused Mapisa-Nqakula of soliciting the money.
During her testimony, Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu said she kept her alleged corrupt dealings with Mapisa-Nqakula secret from her husband, only telling him in 2017 when he had to drive her to the minister's house to deliver R200,000 in cash.
Current situation
In court, Major General Ndhlovu testified that he first became aware of payments made by his wife to the former minister in 2019, contradicting his wife's account that he knew from 2017. When questioned about the discrepancy, he said one of them must be wrong, explaining that his memory has deteriorated.
Mapisa-Nqakula's lawyers acknowledged his memory issues but asked whether he might have forgotten other events he has testified about. Ndhlovu later withdrew his statement about memory deterioration, clarifying that a lapse in memory is not a severe condition, and insisted he stands by his version of events.
The court is expected to explore the husband's knowledge of his wife's alleged corrupt dealings with Mapisa-Nqakula, as well as SANDF tender protocols, according to earlier reports.
| Item | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Alleged solicited amount | R4.5 million | Not specified |
| Cash delivery | R200,000 | 2017 |
Impacts
The credibility of Major General Ndhlovu's testimony is central to the State's case, as it may corroborate or contradict his wife's allegations. If his memory lapses are deemed significant, it could weaken the prosecution's evidence.
The trial's outcome could affect public confidence in the judicial process and the handling of corruption cases involving high-ranking officials. It may also influence how similar cases are pursued in the future.
For Mapisa-Nqakula, the proceedings carry personal and political stakes, as a conviction could lead to severe legal consequences and damage her legacy as a former minister and Speaker.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the court finds Ndhlovu's testimony unreliable due to his memory lapse, the State may need to rely more heavily on other evidence, which could prolong the trial. Conversely, if his testimony is accepted, it could strengthen the case against Mapisa-Nqakula.
Should Mapisa-Nqakula be acquitted, it may embolden her supporters and raise questions about the strength of the allegations. If convicted, she could face imprisonment and fines, setting a precedent for accountability among former officials.
The trial's progress may also depend on further witness testimony and legal arguments. Observers will watch whether the defence can successfully challenge the credibility of State witnesses, potentially leading to a dismissal of charges or a lengthy appeals process.
Source: ewn.co.za
