Mapisa-Nqakula’s wig testimony turns graft claims into fashion talk
The former defence minister's testimony shifted briefly from corruption claims to her personal hairstyle preferences.
Former Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is facing legal charges for allegedly accepting bribes while serving as the political head of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Her defense strategy has taken an unexpected turn as she testified about her wig, which she preferred over braids, according to court proceedings.
A state witness revealed that the term "wig" was actually a code word for a bribe, and prosecutors found a R300,000 sum of money alongside a wig in a bag allegedly given to Mapisa-Nqakula. The state alleged that the recipient company received preferential treatment in SANDF deals as a result of the bribe. When questioned about the wig, Mapisa-Nqakula explained that her interest in it was due to its lightweight and bob cut.
However, the seriousness of the accusations, which involve a staggering R4.5 million in alleged bribes, seemed to be overshadowed by the focus on her fashion choices.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
