Zola Majavu Withdraws as State Witness in Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula Corruption Trial Over Privilege Concerns
Senior advocate withdraws after raising concerns about attorney client confidentiality, dealing a significant moment in the high profile corruption case
The corruption trial of former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula took an unexpected turn after prominent attorney Zola Majavu withdrew as a State witness, citing longstanding concerns over attorney client privilege.
The dramatic development unfolded moments after Majavu took the witness stand, where he revealed that he had previously warned investigators from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) that he was uncomfortable giving evidence because of his professional obligations to a former client.
His decision, made in open court, removes a potentially important witness from one of South Africa’s most closely watched corruption prosecutions.
Majavu had previously represented Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, the defence contractor whose allegations form the backbone of the State’s case against Mapisa-Nqakula. He confirmed that he had provided Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu with legal advice before the matter progressed to court, raising concerns that any testimony could infringe on confidential communications protected by attorney client privilege.
The issue came to a head when Judge Munzhelele made it clear that Majavu was under no obligation to testify.
Faced with that clarification, Majavu informed the court that he had reconsidered his position and no longer wished to proceed as a witness for the prosecution.
His testimony was immediately abandoned.
Corruption allegations remain at the centre of the trial
Despite Majavu’s withdrawal, the prosecution continues to pursue serious corruption charges against Mapisa-Nqakula.
The State alleges that while serving as Minister of Defence between 2016 and 2019, she solicited approximately R4.5 million in bribes from Nontsikelelo Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, the sole director of defence contractor Umkhombe Marine.
According to prosecutors, more than R2 million of the alleged amount was ultimately paid to Mapisa-Nqakula in cash.
The former Speaker has denied every allegation and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The case, which formally began in July 2026, is expected to remain one of South Africa’s most significant corruption prosecutions because of the senior political office held by the accused and the scale of the allegations before the court.
Cash deliveries and coded language emerge in testimony
Earlier evidence has painted a detailed picture of how the alleged payments were made.
Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu testified that requests for cash were often disguised using coded language. Among the claims presented in court was an alleged R300,000 payment referred to as a “wig”, which prosecutors say concealed the true purpose of the transaction.
The testimony was later reinforced by retired South African National Defence Force Major General Noel Ndhlovu, the witness’s husband.
Appearing before the court in August 2026, he testified that he personally drove his wife to Mapisa-Nqakula’s residence to deliver R200,000 in cash.
He further told the court that he instructed his wife to stop making payments after discovering what the money was allegedly intended for.
Former Speaker continues to fight the charges
Mapisa-Nqakula has consistently rejected the allegations against her and insists she committed no wrongdoing.
She remains free on R50,000 bail while contesting the charges.
Although Majavu’s withdrawal represents an unexpected setback for the prosecution, the trial continues with several witnesses and substantial evidence still expected to be presented as the State seeks to prove its case.
The proceedings remain under close public scrutiny as South Africa watches another major corruption trial involving one of the country’s most senior former political leaders.
