Husband Of Mapisa-Nqakula's Accuser Takes The Stand In Alleged R4.5 Million Corruption Trial

The husband of the woman accusing former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula of corruption has begun giving evidence in the Pretoria High Court as the high-profile trial continues.

Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, the sole director of Umkhombe Marine, alleges that Mapisa-Nqakula requested R4.5 million from her over a three-year period between 2016 and 2019. During the period in question, Mapisa-Nqakula served as South Africa's Minister of Defence.

The former minister is facing 12 counts of corruption as well as a charge of money laundering. She has denied wrongdoing.

Mapisa-Nqakula Corruption Trial Hears Evidence From Husband Of Key State Witness

The Mapisa-Nqakula corruption trial heard testimony from Major General Noel Ndhlovu, the husband of the State's key witness. He took the stand after being referenced several times during his wife's evidence.

At the time of the alleged payments, Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu and Major General Ndhlovu were married. He was serving as a senior military doctor while his wife operated the defence contracting company, Umkhombe Marine.

State Examines Contradictions Over Alleged Payments

During her testimony last week, Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu told the court that she deliberately kept her alleged dealings with Mapisa-Nqakula from her husband. She described their marriage as having a proverbial "Great Wall of China", explaining that they did not discuss certain aspects of their respective business and professional lives.

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However, she also testified that on one occasion when she allegedly delivered a R200,000 cash bribe to Mapisa-Nqakula's home in Bruma, Johannesburg, Major General Ndhlovu accompanied her on the trip.

Pretoria High Court Continues Hearing Corruption Case

The State is expected to question Major General Ndhlovu about the circumstances surrounding that visit and other aspects of his wife's testimony.

His evidence is expected to assist the court in assessing the events surrounding the alleged payments that form the basis of the corruption and money laundering charges against Mapisa-Nqakula.