Former defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula seeks dismissal of corruption and money-laundering charges
Former defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has requested the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria to dismiss the corruption and money-laundering charges against her. She appeared in court on Thursday, 13 August 2026, facing 12 counts of corruption and money laundering. The state alleges she solicited R4.55 million in bribes from South African National Defence Force SANDF contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu between December 2016 and July 2019. Mapisa-Nqakula’s legal representative, Siyabulela Mapoma SC, informed the court of the defence's intention to file a Section 174 application for discharge. Investigating Directorate Against Corruption IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame stated that the defence requested full transcripts of the evidence to prepare the application. The trial has been postponed to 20 August 2026 for the accused to receive the transcribed records and file the application. If upheld, the application would result in Mapisa-Nqakula's discharge, sparing her from mounting a defence. If the bid fails, the trial will proceed, with the defence expected to call witnesses and Mapisa-Nqakula potentially testifying. The alleged offences date back to her tenure as minister of defence and military veterans from June 2012 to August 2021. The case began after United Democratic Movement UDM leader Bantu Holomisa filed a criminal complaint. Mapisa-Nqakula stepped down from her parliamentary role after her arrest in April 2024. She has pleaded not guilty, and the trial focuses on
