Interior decorator Nomsa Shabangu testified in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria that she received approximately R1.7 million to R1.8 million in cash for renovations and decor at the Bruma residence of former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. The payments, which occurred between 2018 and 2020, form part of the State’s corruption and money laundering trial against the former minister.
Legal Proceedings And Prosecution Allegations
Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and one count of money laundering, to which she has entered a plea of not guilty. Prosecutors allege that the funds used for the home improvements were the proceeds of corruption, specifically linked to bribes solicited from defence contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu during the period between December 2016 and July 2019.
Architectural designer Azwindini Emmanuel Mulaudzi also provided testimony, claiming he received a R20,000 cash deposit through Shabangu. Mulaudzi further alleged that he was paid an additional R50,000 in cash directly by Mapisa-Nqakula and her husband, Charles.
Context And Broader Implications
The State maintains that the use of cash for these extensive luxury renovations was a deliberate attempt to conceal the origin of the funds and avoid a paper trail. These proceedings follow long-standing allegations that Mapisa-Nqakula requested approximately R4.5 million in unlawful benefits during her tenure in government.
The trial continues as the court examines the financial records and testimonies of service providers who worked on the property. Further witnesses are expected to take the stand as the prosecution seeks to link the renovation payments to the alleged solicitations from defence contractors.