NPA Denies Responsibility for Delays in R100M Tender Fraud Case Against Mapisa-Nqakula Witness

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has denied responsibility for the delays that led to the R100 million tender fraud case against its potential key witness in former President Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula's R2.5 million corruption trial being removed from the court roll. The case against defense contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, who was set to testify against Mapisa-Nqakula, was removed from the court roll due to the delays.

NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga stated that Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu's lawyers have not yet provided full statements on why the R100 million tender fraud and bribery case against her should be dismissed. This is despite Pretoria Specialized Commercial Crimes Court records stating that she had until December 1, 2023 to submit her representations to the National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi.

The NPA revealed that while records indicate Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu had until December 1, 2023 to submit her representations to Batohi, Mhaga denied that the representations had been received by that time. The spokesperson emphasized that the NPA is not accountable for the delays that caused the case to be removed from the court roll.

Mapisa-Nqakula, the former National Assembly speaker, faces corruption charges in a separate R2.5 million trial. Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu was expected to be a key witness in that case but has now been removed from the list of witnesses following the delays in her own tender fraud case.

Why this matters: The removal of the R100 million tender fraud case against a potential key witness in a high-profile corruption trial raises concerns about the efficiency and effectiveness of South Africa's justice system in prosecuting corruption cases. The outcome of these cases could have significant implications for public trust in government institutions and the fight against corruption in the country.

The NPA maintains that it is not responsible for the delays that led to Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu's case being removed from the court roll. As the legal proceedings continue, the public awaits further developments in both the tender fraud case and Mapisa-Nqakula's corruption trial. Mhaga stated, "The lawyers for defense contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu have not yet provided full statements on why the R100 million tender fraud and bribery case against him should be dismissed."

Key Takeaways

• NPA denies responsibility for delays in R100m tender fraud case against key witness.
• Witness's lawyers have not provided full statements on why case should be dismissed.
• Witness was set to testify against former Speaker Mapisa-Nqakula in R2.5m corruption trial.
• Delays led to removal of R100m tender fraud case from court roll, raising concerns.
• NPA maintains it is not accountable for the delays that caused case removal.