Tears in Pretoria: Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s corruption case delayed again
Former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula
Emotional day in court
Mapisa-Nqakula was visibly emotional in the accused box, her mouth trembling as the court addressed her before she walked out, wiping away tears. Judge Papi Mosopa postponed the matter to a provisional date of 21 November 2025 for pretrial proceedings.
Her defence team, led by advocate Graham Kerr-Phillips, confirmed they had only recently received the full case docket from the state — a collection of 26 files — and requested more time to prepare.
“We are working on a docket we have not finalised. We haven’t perused it and we’d like to see what information we have received,” said Kerr-Phillips.
Allegations of kickbacks
The charges stem from allegations that, while serving as Defence Minister, Mapisa-Nqakula solicited and received bribes amounting to R4.5 million from defence contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, director of logistics company Umkhombe Marine, which did business with the SA National Defence Force.
In February 2016, Umkhombe Marine was awarded a contract valued at R104 million. According to the indictment, shortly after the award the contract was allegedly suspended. Seeking to resolve the issue, Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu was provided with Mapisa-Nqakula’s contact details. In November 2016, Mapisa-Nqakula allegedly asked the late secretary of defence, Sam Gulube, to approach Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu for R300,000, which was then allegedly handed over in cash.
Defence strategy: charges may be challenged
Kerr-Phillips indicated the defence may apply to have the charges dropped, intends to subpoena bank statements (a process expected to take several weeks), and will make representations to the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) concerning the discovered documents.
Case timeline at a glance
- February 2016: Umkhombe Marine awarded R104 million contract.
- November 2016: Alleged R300,000 cash request via Sam Gulube.
- 28 March 2025: Brief appearance at Pretoria High Court; further disclosures made.
- 21 November 2025 (provisional): Matter postponed for pretrial proceedings.
What the NPA says
According to the Investigating Directorate against Corruption (IDAC), the state has handed over the requested dockets to the defence. Spokesperson Henry Mamothame noted that the 21 November date is provisionally set for pretrial unless the defence files further applications. Mapisa-Nqakula remains out on R50,000 bail.
The court is expected to determine on 21 November 2025 whether the matter will proceed to trial or whether any proposed defence applications will impact the way forward. Mapisa-Nqakula denies wrongdoing and contends the allegations are politically motivated.
