Former defence minister Mapisa-Nqakula to seek dismissal of R4.5 million bribery charges
Former defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is expected to appear in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Thursday, August 20, 2026, where she will seek to have the corruption and money-laundering charges against her dismissed. The State concluded its case earlier this month after two weeks of presenting evidence. Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and money laundering, with the State alleging she solicited R4.55 million in bribes from South African National Defence Force contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu between December 2016 and July 2019. Her legal representative, Siyabulela Mapoma SC, informed the court of the defense's intention to file a Section 174 application for discharge. Investigating Directorate Against Corruption spokesperson Henry Mamothame confirmed the defense requested full transcripts of the evidence to prepare the application. If the application is successful, Mapisa-Nqakula would be discharged without needing to present a defense or testify. If it fails, the trial will continue, with the defense expected to call witnesses and Mapisa-Nqakula potentially testifying. The alleged offenses occurred during her tenure as minister of defence and military veterans from June 2012 to August 2021. The case originated from a criminal complaint filed by United Democratic Movement leader and current Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa. Mapisa-Nqakula resigned from her parliamentary role following her arrest in April 2024.
