Mapisa‑Nqakula asks court to discharge corruption and money‑laundering charges

Former defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa‑Nqakula has asked the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria to discharge the corruption and money‑laundering charges she faces, the matter heard during her appearance on 13 August 2026.

Section 174 discharge application

During proceedings on 13 August, Mapisa‑Nqakula’s legal representative, Siyabulela Mapoma SC, informed the court that the defence intended to bring an application under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act seeking a discharge at the close of the State’s case.

“The trial against the former Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa‑Nqakula, has been postponed on request of the defence team to 20 August 2026 for the accused to receive the transcribed records of the case for them to file an application in terms of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act. The accused placed it on record in court that she will be filing for a discharge in the matter. The state has closed its case, and it will await the heads of argument from the accused in order to draft a reply,”

Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson Henry Mamothame said.

What a successful bid would mean

If the Section 174 application is upheld, Mapisa‑Nqakula would be discharged at the close of the State’s case and would not have to present a defence or testify. If the application fails, the trial would continue with the defence expected to call witnesses and Mapisa‑Nqakula potentially testifying under cross‑examination.

Charges and trial details

Mapisa‑Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and money laundering. The prosecution alleges she solicited R4.55 million in bribes from South African National Defence Force contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa‑Ndhlovu between December 2016 and July 2019.

The trial is being heard in the Gauteng High Court. The State has closed its case. More than 15 witnesses have given evidence so far, including family members, friends and associates of the State’s main witness and complainant, Nombasa Ntsondwa‑Ndhlovu.

Background

The alleged offences relate to Mapisa‑Nqakula’s time as minister of defence and military veterans, a position she held from June 2012 until August 2021. The criminal matter was opened after a complaint by United Democratic Movement leader and current Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa.

Following her arrest in April 2024, Mapisa‑Nqakula stepped down from her role in Parliament. She has pleaded not guilty to the 12 counts of corruption and money laundering. The next procedural date in the matter is 20 August 2026, when the defence will file its Section 174 heads of argument.