Home renovations raise eyebrows
The court also heard that Wessels analysed the bank accounts of businesswoman Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndlovu and found she withdrew almost R4.5 million between 2016 and 2020.
A series of questions have emerged in the Pretoria High Court over the alleged misuse of over R1 million for the renovation of former Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula's Johannesburg residence. National Prosecuting Authority's chief financial investigator Wynand Wessels testified that the family withdrew R1.6 million between 2018 and 2020 from their bank accounts but only R600,000 of that amount was spent on high-end home upgrades.
The remaining funds were reportedly allocated to curtains made from imported fabric, suggesting the renovations cost significantly more than reported. Mapisa-Nqakula faces bribe allegations from a Defence Department contractor, claims she vehemently denies. The court also heard that businesswoman Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndlovu withdrew almost R4.5 million over the same period, with a portion allegedly directed towards Mapisa-Nqakula.
The defence challenged Wessels' expertise, arguing insufficient evidence to prove the money reached the former National Assembly Speaker. Mapisa-Nqakula's spokesperson, Joy Peter, testified about a strained relationship between the minister and Ntsondwa-Ndlovu, with Ntsondwa-Ndlovu allegedly stating she wouldn't "go down alone." The trial is expected to continue.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
