Prominent attorney Zola Majavu has withdrawn from testifying as a State witness in the corruption trial of former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
At the start of his testimony, Majavu told the court that he had previously informed Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) investigators of his discomfort with testifying because of concerns over attorney-client privilege.
Majavu had represented Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, the defence contractor who accused Mapisa-Nqakula of soliciting bribes, and had provided her with legal advice before the matter reached court.
After Judge Munzhelele indicated that nothing compelled him to testify, Majavu informed the court that he had had a change of heart and was no longer willing to proceed.
His testimony was consequently abandoned.
The State alleges that, while serving as Minister of Defence between 2016 and 2019, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula solicited approximately R4.5 million from Nontsikelelo Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, the sole director of defence contractor Umkhombe Marine.
The allegation forms part of the State’s case in the ongoing corruption proceedings. Mapisa-Nqakula has denied wrongdoing and is contesting the charges against her.
A long-standing member of the African National Congress (ANC), Mapisa-Nqakula saw her corruption trial commence in July 2026.
She reportedly accepted over R2 million of the total amount in physical cash.
Key witness Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu testified that cash payments were frequently requested using code words, including a R300 000 bribe disguised as a “wig”.
In August 2026, the key witness’s husband, retired SANDF Major-General Noel Ndhlovu, testified that he drove his wife to Mapisa-Nqakula’s residence to deliver R200 000 cash.
He stated that he ordered her to stop the payments once he learned of their purpose.
Mapisa-Nqakula has maintained her innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges. She remains out on R50 000 bail.