Former Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has denied allegations that her references to a “wig” in conversations with a contractor were a coded request for a bribe.
Mapisa-Nqakula is facing corruption and money laundering charges linked to allegations that she solicited millions of rand in bribes from contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu while serving as defence minister between 2016 and 2019.
Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu is a key witness in the case.
Testifying in the High Court in Pretoria through an interpreter, Mapisa-Nqakula maintained that when she asked Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu about a wig, she was referring to an actual hairpiece.
During proceedings, the court heard an exchange in which the interpreter relayed a response to Mapisa-Nqakula:
“No, ma’am, I could organise one for you. You would not have to go to these places where we go to buy these things.”
Mapisa-Nqakula responded: “My Lady, andiwazi mina ke umehluko,” which translates to, “I don’t know the difference.”
Her evidence comes after claims that certain terms used in conversations between her and Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu were allegedly coded references to money or payments.
Mapisa-Nqakula has rejected those allegations and insists that her conversations with the contractor have been misinterpreted.
The former minister is continuing to give evidence as the State and defence present their respective cases before the Pretoria High Court.