Overview
- The State formally closed its case on Thursday, 13 August 2026 after calling more than 15 witnesses in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.
- Defence counsel told the court it will file a Section 174 discharge application and has requested full trial transcripts to prepare its argument.
- Prosecutors allege about R4.5-million was paid in cash by SANDF contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa‑Ndhlovu to Nosiviwe Mapisa‑Nqakula between December 2016 and July 2019; Mapisa‑Nqakula has pleaded not guilty to 12 counts of corruption and one count of money laundering.
- Much of the State’s evidence is corroborative rather than direct, relying on bank records, large cash withdrawals, coded requests, testimony about cash‑paid renovations to Mapisa‑Nqakula’s Bruma home, and an expert saying the pattern is consistent with money laundering.
- A successful discharge would end the trial before the defence presents witnesses, and a dismissed application would require the defence to call witnesses and could lead to Mapisa‑Nqakula testifying under cross‑examination.