Former National Assembly Speaker and Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is back in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Thursday, 17 September 2026, where she is expected to continue giving evidence in her corruption and money-laundering trial.
Also see: Former Defence Minister Mapisa-Nqakula unwell, trial adjourned
Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and one count of money laundering. The State alleges she solicited about R4.5 million in bribes from defence contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu between 2016 and 2019, with prosecutors alleging that approximately R2.1 million was received in cash.
Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula continues to maintain innocence
The former Speaker began presenting her defence after the court dismissed her application for a discharge under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
The court found that the State had established a prima facie case requiring her to answer to the charges.
Her testimony has addressed several allegations raised by the prosecution, including claims involving cash payments, communications with Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu and renovations to her home.
The State has alleged that money obtained from the contractor was used towards improvements to Mapisa-Nqakula’s property. She has disputed the State’s version of events and provided her own explanations for the transactions and communications.
Also see: Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula denies ‘wig’ was code for a bribe
Reports say the State is expected to question Mapisa-Nqakula on each of the 12 corruption charges she faces, as well as one count of money laundering.
Her return to the witness stand follows the court’s dismissal of her application to have the charges against her struck off.
The trial remains ongoing, and the allegations against Mapisa-Nqakula have not been proven in court. As of now, she remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until a court finds otherwise.
Also see: ‘Resignation is not a sign of guilt,’ says the former speaker
Featured image: X/@waynesilinski
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