🔥 Trending Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndlovu: Who is the Witness in the Mapisa-Nqakula Corruption Tri

Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu is a South African military contractor and businesswoman who has gained significant public attention as the star witness in a high-profile corruption case against former National Assembly Speaker and Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula ²³⁵.

Background and Career

Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu's career trajectory is notable, having risen from an air hostess to the chairperson of the African Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD) ⁶. She is also the wife of a senior general in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) ⁸.

Role in the Mapisa-Nqakula Corruption Case

Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu is the key witness accusing Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula of demanding kickbacks on defence contracts ¹²⁵. According to amaBhungane, evidence suggests that Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu was part of a broader corrupt network that involved other high-ranking officials, including the late secretary for defence, Sam Gulube ¹². The State alleges that Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu was the direct contact person for Mapisa-Nqakula's alleged requests for payments between 2017 and July 2019 ⁷.

Legal Troubles and Controversies

Despite being a crucial witness for the prosecution, Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu herself faces legal challenges:

• Fraud Charges: In 2023, she was arrested and released on R80,000 bail on charges of fraud, involving approximately R100 million. These charges stem from allegations by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) that the SANDF awarded a R24 million tender to her company ⁸.
• Potential Prosecution by NPA: In a significant twist in the Mapisa-Nqakula case, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is deliberating whether to prosecute Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, their own star witness, in May 2025 ⁴. This development has raised questions about the NPA's strategy and the reliability of its key witness ³⁴.

Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu's involvement highlights the complex and often intertwined nature of corruption investigations in South Africa, where witnesses can also be implicated in illicit activities ¹²⁴.