Former Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s corruption and money laundering trial was brought to an abrupt halt on Wednesday after she became unwell while testifying in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.

The former National Assembly Speaker had spent much of the day answering questions about financial records, travel allowances and renovations to her Bruma home when proceedings were interrupted.

Her lawyer told journalists that Mapisa-Nqakula was feeling tired and was receiving medical attention. The trial was subsequently postponed to Thursday, September 10.

Mapisa-Nqakula had returned to the witness stand after Judge Mashudu Munzhelele dismissed her Section 174 application on Monday. The judge found that the State had established a prima facie case and that Mapisa-Nqakula had a case to answer.

The former minister is facing 12 counts of corruption and one count of money laundering arising from allegations that she solicited and received about R4.5 million from defence contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu between 2016 and 2019.

She has pleaded not guilty and denies soliciting or receiving bribes.

On Wednesday morning, Mapisa-Nqakula arrived at court wearing an elegant isiXhosa traditional outfit and appeared ready to continue with her testimony.

As the proceedings progressed, however, she appeared increasingly uncomfortable. At one point, a woman who appeared to be a relative was seen massaging her shoulders as she remained seated in the courtroom.

Her discomfort became more noticeable as the questioning continued, with Mapisa-Nqakula at times struggling to respond to questions.

She testified in isiXhosa through an English interpreter. During the proceedings, her translator repeatedly reminded her to stick to speaking isiXhosa while the translation was being provided.

Earlier in the day, the court focused on financial records linked to Mapisa-Nqakula’s official travel and allegations concerning money paid to her.

Media reported that Mapisa-Nqakula disputed discrepancies in transaction references appearing on financial records. She said references were meant to reflect dates of travel, returns, months and years, but acknowledged that some transactions did not correspond with those dates.

She attributed the discrepancies to administrative delays, saying assistants sometimes submitted documents late and that finance officials could also delay processing.

Her travel allowances also came under scrutiny.

Mapisa-Nqakula told the court that ministers receive foreign currency allowances for official trips, including advances to cover unforeseen expenses. She denied that the money used for overseas travel came from illicit payments allegedly made by Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu.

The court also heard evidence about renovations to Mapisa-Nqakula’s Bruma property.

The State alleges that money paid by Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu was used to fund improvements to the house. Mapisa-Nqakula was taken through a timeline of renovations, including changes to carpets, wardrobes and the kitchen.

She told the court that renovations had taken place over several years, beginning before she moved into the property in 2004.

Mapisa-Nqakula also said she never imagined she would one day have to account in court for renovations carried out at her private home.

Her evidence came a day after she strongly denied the State’s allegation that she demanded R2 million from Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu to secure the promotion of her husband, retired Major General Noel Ndhlovu.

Mapisa-Nqakula told the court that Ndhlovu was not appointed because he was “not appointable”, citing, among other issues, security clearance and an investigation involving a military tender awarded to his wife.

The State alleges Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu refused to pay the R2 million because she believed her husband deserved the promotion on merit.

The State’s case is that Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu paid Mapisa-Nqakula about R4.5 million, including approximately R2.1 million in cash.

The contractor has previously testified about a series of alleged payments, including an alleged R300,000 payment linked to a wig delivered at an airport. Mapisa-Nqakula has denied that the wig was a code for money and said she had genuinely wanted the hairpiece.

Evidence previously placed before the court also included testimony from interior designer Nomsa Shabangu, who said renovations, furniture and décor at the Bruma property cost between R1.7 million and R1.8 million, with much of the work paid for in cash. Mapisa-Nqakula has disputed the State’s interpretation of the payments and denied using illicit funds for the renovations.

The defence had intended to continue with its case on Thursday, with the State expected to eventually cross-examine Mapisa-Nqakula.

However, her lawyer said he could not guarantee that she would be fit enough to continue testifying. He said she was being seen by her personal medical doctor. He assured journalists outside court that her family would update him later on Wednesday night about any developments relating to her state of health.

The court will now reconvene on Thursday, when her medical condition and the continuation of her testimony will determine the next step in the trial.