{
  "id": 19818015,
  "title": "SANDF probed contractor before meeting with Mapisa-Nqakula: Witness",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/sandf-probed-contractor-before-meeting-with-mapisa-nqakula-witness",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T14:31:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/sandf-probed-contractor-before-meeting-with-mapisa-nqakula/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A new witness has testified in the corruption and money laundering trial against former Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, stating that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) had already been investigating military contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndlovu and her business \"Umkhombe Marine\" prior to her meeting with Mapisa-Nqakula. The retired SANDF General Sandile Sizani, who made this disclosure, had initially been instructed by then SANDF Chief General Shoke to investigate \"Umkhombe Marine\" discreetly in 2016 due to the whistleblower's lack of trust in anyone. Sizani claims he found irregularities with the company, particularly in relation to a military tender and unauthorized landing at the Waterkloof Airforce base. Sizani found it peculiar that a chartered flight, supposedly for repatriating material from outside the country, was already at the Waterkloof Air Force base days before the tender discussion. When General Shoke later ordered Sizani to hand over the investigation to the military police, Sizani approached Mapisa-Nqakula about the lack of action taken following the investigation, expressing concern that the documents provided to the military police were sufficient for immediate arrests.",
  "summary": "This came out at the corruption and money laundering trial against Mapisa-Nqakula.",
  "key_points": [
    "SANDF investigated Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndlovu's company before meeting Mapisa-Nqakula",
    "General Sandile Sizani discovered irregularities in Umkhombe Marine's military tender",
    "Sizani expressed concern over lack of action, suggesting immediate arrests"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}