Mapisa-Nqakula trial | Arrest warrant authorised after former minister fails to appear in court amid health concerns

A warrant of arrest has been authorised for former Defence Minister, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, after she failed to appear for her corruption and money laundering trial at the Pretoria High Court on Thursday.

The dramatic turn of events follows her abrupt departure from court on Wednesday, after concerns were raised about her health when she appeared increasingly fatigued.

Her instructing attorney, Makhi Nogaga, previously said Mapisa-Nqakula had been advised to consult her general practitioner after her sudden exit from court.

On Thursday, her legal team handed Judge Mashudu Munzhelele what appeared to be a medical note, informing the court that the former minister was unwell.

The note also appeared to indicate a possible date by which Mapisa-Nqakula could have recuperated.

Her lawyers asked the court to postpone proceedings until 16 September, arguing that this was the next suitable date when all the legal teams would be available.

But prosecutor, Portia Pongola, indicated that the State was willing to work around the schedule, even suggesting that the matter could be heard during the court recess, which begins on 18 September.

Mapisa-Nqakula’s lawyers also asked for her bail to be extended until her next appearance.

Judge Manzhelele, however, authorised a warrant for her arrest and postponed the matter.

She clarified that although the warrant is now active, its execution could be held over until Mapisa-Nqakula’s next court appearance.

“The matter is then postponed to the 16th of September 2026 for further hearing and a warrant of arrest is authorised against the accused and held over until the 16th of September 2026. Her bail is extended until that day,” Munzhelele said.

Mapisa-Nqakula is facing allegations that she solicited approximately R4.5 million in bribes from defence contractor, Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndlovu, between 2016 and 2019.

The State alleges that she ultimately received more than R2 million in cash.

Mapisa-Nqakula has repeatedly denied the allegations, maintaining that she neither solicited nor received kickbacks from Ntsondwa-Ndlovu.

As questions over her health take centre stage, the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) says its case remains strong.

IDAC spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, says while the Directorate cannot control the circumstances surrounding the former minister’s latest absence, investigators remain confident in the case they have built against her.

Mamothame also expressed relief after Mapisa-Nqakula’s legal challenge to have the case against her thrown out failed.

He says the outcome strengthens the State’s position as the prosecution and defence continue their high-stakes legal battle.

Mamothame says IDAC remains confident that the court will ultimately reach a fair decision, adding that the State will continue working to convince the court of the strength of its case.

For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Mapisa-Nqakula’s next court appearance.

If her legal team fails to provide sufficient reasons for her absence, she could be taken into custody for breaching the court’s instruction to appear for trial.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao