Mapisa-Nqakula paid millions in cash - Interior designer told court
A state witness in the corruption trial of former South African Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula testified that the minister and her husband paid for home renovations using large amounts of cash. The defense argues that the couple trusted the witness with their finances, while the prosecution maintains the payments are linked to corruption charges.
Why it matters
This trial highlights high-level political accountability and corruption issues within the South African government.
PRETORIA - A state witness has told the High Court in Pretoria that former Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and her husband, Charles Nqakula, gave her between R1.7 million and R1.8 million to renovate and decorate their Johannesburg home.
Shabangu, who describes Mapisa-Nqakula as being “like a sister”, has detailed how she managed the renovation of the former defence minister’s Johannesburg home.
She told the court that while she oversaw the project and paid several service providers, some payments made in cash were made directly by Mapisa-Nqakula and her husband.
READ | Mapisa-Nqakula's corruption trial: New witness to take stand
Among those she appointed was architectural designer Azwindini Mulaudzi, who drew up revised plans for the property. Shabangu testified that she paid Mulaudzi a R20,000 cash deposit.
Mulaudzi, who testified earlier, confirmed receiving the cash deposit from Shabangu.
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