A key witness in the corruption trial of former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has told the Pretoria High Court how discussions around a senior military appointment allegedly became linked to a request for money.
Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, the state’s star witness, testified that Mapisa-Nqakula allegedly sought financial benefits from her while she was serving as Minister of Defence and Military Veterans.
Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, the sole director of defence logistics company Umkhombe Marine, told the court that she delivered R150,000 to Mapisa-Nqakula at her Bruma home in September 2018.
During the meeting, the witness raised the issue of her husband, Major General Noel Ndhlovu, and his expected promotion within the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu said she believed her husband, then deputy sergeant-general, was in line to become sergeant-general after the expected retirement of General Aubrey Sedibe.
The witness told the court that although Mapisa-Nqakula did not have the final authority over military appointments, she believed the former minister had the ability to influence the process.
However, Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu said she did not agree to the alleged request for assistance because she was confident her husband would secure the position based on his standing in the military.
Mapisa-Nqakula is facing charges of corruption and money laundering over allegations that she solicited up to R4.5 million from Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, whose company had secured several defence logistics contracts.
The state alleges that the former minister used her position and influence to obtain payments, while the defence has maintained that Mapisa-Nqakula is innocent.
The trial continues in the Pretoria High Court.