Former defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is standing trial in Pretoria on 12 counts of corruption and one of money laundering after investigators revealed large cash withdrawals and coded WhatsApp messages linking her to R4.5 million in alleged bribes from a defence contractor, with R2.1 million reportedly paid in cash, according to evidence presented in court on 7 August 2026.

Investigation Details And Alleged Financial Flows

The Investigating Directorate of the National Prosecuting Authority raided Mapisa-Nqakula’s Johannesburg home in March 2024, leading to her arrest the following month. Court evidence showed large cash withdrawals from the FNB account of Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, a defence contractor, coincided with the alleged bribe payments. According to the state, WhatsApp messages between Mapisa-Nqakula and Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu discussed these transactions using coded words such as ‘impepho’, ‘indumba’, and ‘wig’ to reference cash handovers.

Bank records presented at trial indicated that cash withdrawals from the accounts of Mapisa-Nqakula, her husband, and their two sons between January 2018 and December 2020 totalled R1.5 million, which investigators stated could not account for home renovations estimated at R1.7 million. The prosecution alleges the remainder was paid in bribes, including transactions linked to the defence contract in question.

Political Consequences And National Scrutiny

Following public revelations, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) voiced support for a motion of no confidence against Mapisa-Nqakula, citing what the party called ‘improper conduct.’ The former Speaker resigned from the National Assembly on 3 April 2024 while under active investigation. The EFF said in its statement, “The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) welcomes the motion of no confidence proposed in the National Assembly against the Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula due to improper conduct.”

Mapisa-Nqakula continues to maintain her innocence, stating, “I maintain my innocence.” The case highlights ongoing concerns over corruption within South Africa’s political leadership and the scrutiny faced by public officials. Proceedings are expected to continue as the state presents further evidence of financial transactions and digital communications.

The trial’s next hearings are set to provide more detail on the alleged financial flows and may test the resilience of oversight in South Africa’s defence procurement process.