CORRUPTION TRIAL : Ex-defence minister’s multimillion renovation payments ‘typical of money laundering’ — witness
Defence attacks a 33‑page financial report as flawed while witnesses describe repeated cash handovers to former defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa‑Nqakula, who faces corruption and money‑laundering charges.
On Thursday, former Chief Financial Investigator Wynand Wessels testified in a corruption trial regarding former Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula's multimillion renovation payments. Wessels described the renovations at Mapisa-Nqakula's Bruma home, including a walk-in dressing room, underfloor heating, motorised curtains, solar power system, and gold-trimmed wardrobes, which cost a total of R1.8 million.
Wessels stated that the pattern of repeated cash payments made to the Mapisa-Nqakulas' bank accounts matched the cash-funded renovations and supported the State's money laundering case. The State alleges that about R2.1 million in corrupt payments from defence contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu were used to fund the renovations, with contractors receiving almost all of the money in cash.
Wessels faced cross-examination from the defence, who challenged his qualifications, the reliability of his 33-page financial investigation report, and the direct evidence linking WhatsApp messages between Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu and Mapisa-Nqakula to the large cash transactions. The defence also questioned Wessels' impartiality due to his role as a court witness rather than a State witness.
The trial continues as prosecutors and the defence present their arguments and evidence in this corruption case against former Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
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