Mapisa Nqakula trial set for July 2026

The Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria has postponed the corruption case against former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to 20 July 2026, setting a firm date for the start of her trial.

She is facing 12 counts of corruption and money laundering linked to allegations that she received and solicited R4.5 million from a defence contractor during her tenure as Minister of Defence.

Mapisa-Nqakula appeared in court on Friday where her new legal representative informed the court that she would not submit representations to the National Director of Public Prosecutions. This had previously been expected after she indicated earlier this year that she intended to challenge aspects of the case. Her decision not to make representations means the matter will now move directly to trial. Her bail of R50 000 was extended.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption welcomed the court’s decision and confirmed that preparations for trial would continue. IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the postponement created a clear path for the case to proceed. “The accused has indicated that she will not pursue filing representations with the office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions and that she is ready to proceed with trial,” Mamothame said.

The case against Mapisa Nqakula originates from allegations made by a defence contractor who claims she repeatedly solicited payments in exchange for securing tenders while she served as Minister of Defence. According to the charge sheet, she allegedly requested R4.5 million between 2016 and 2019. The state alleges that R2.1 million of that amount was delivered to her in cash at her home.

Her first court appearance earlier this year came after a months long investigation involving witness statements, financial records and sworn affidavits from individuals linked to defence procurement. The allegations surfaced publicly in March when the contractor filed a report with law enforcement agencies outlining a pattern of alleged cash payments and pressure to provide financial benefits in exchange for continued business.

The matter gained national attention when Mapisa-Nqakula’s house was searched during a raid conducted by the investigating directorate. She later resigned as Speaker of the National Assembly ahead of her arrest, saying she intended to focus on clearing her name. She has consistently denied the allegations.

The postponement to July 2026 gives both the state and the defence several months to finalise trial preparations. IDAC said it would continue working with prosecutors and investigators to ensure the case is ready for court.

Mamothame said the directorate remained committed to seeing the matter through. “The matter has now been postponed for trial and the accused will continue to appear in court as required,” he said.