Mapisa‑Nqakula wants corruption and money-laundering charges dropped
Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and money laundering, with the state alleging that she solicited R4.55 million in bribes.
Former defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has requested the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria to dismiss corruption and money-laundering charges against her. Mapisa-Nqakula appeared in court on Thursday, 13 August 2026, facing 12 counts of corruption and money laundering. Prosecutors allege she solicited R4.55 million in bribes from South African National Defence Force contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu between December 2016 and July 2019.
On Thursday, Mapisa-Nqakula's attorney, Siyabulela Mapoma SC, informed the court that the defence plans to submit a Section 174 application for discharge. The application request led to the postponement of the trial to 20 August 2026, allowing Mapisa-Nqakula to receive the transcribed records of the trial for preparing the application.
The defence's request will be met with the state closing its case, awaiting the accused's heads of argument for a reply. If the application succeeds, Mapisa-Nqakula will be discharged, avoiding a full defence and testimony. However, a failed bid would proceed with witnesses and potential testimony from Mapisa-Nqakula under cross-examination.
The charges against Mapisa-Nqakula stem from her period as minister of defence and military veterans, spanning from June 2012 to August 2021. The case was initiated after UDM leader and current Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa filed a criminal complaint. Mapisa-Nqakula, who stepped down from Parliament following her arrest in April 2024, has pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
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