Major-General Gerald Sandile Sizane has questioned the handling of the Umkhombe Marine investigation, telling the Pretoria High Court that he was not properly informed about its progress despite approaching the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption.
Testifying on Friday in the corruption and money laundering trial of former Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Sizane said his engagement with IDAC was intended to address the Umkhombe Marine matter, which involves allegations surrounding defence contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu.
The court also heard references to Uno IT Solutions, a company understood to have been involved in installing cameras and security systems, and legal action arising from a disputed payment that had allegedly been cancelled in connection with a tender. The dispute involved Umkhombe Marine and the South African National Defence Force.
Sizane said he had approached IDAC after being referred by Rodney de Kock. He said the person he met appeared more interested in focusing on the accused in the Mapisa-Nqakula case than on the wider Umkhombe Marine investigation.
He said he was uncertain about the identity of the person he had met and that their encounter took place around the building.
When he asked about the progress of the investigation, Sizane said he was not properly informed about how far the matter had progressed.
During questioning, the court asked whether he had any information that could assist with the case against Mapisa-Nqakula.
Sizane said he had no information relating to the case against the former minister, explaining that the matter he had been pursuing concerned Umkhombe Marine and Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu.
When questioned about whether the Umkhombe Marine case had been dismissed because of the minister, Sizane said “No comment.”
His evidence also included concerns about the lack of progress despite a completed forensic audit report having been handed over. He previously described the case as having “disappeared into thin air”.
Sizane said he had raised his concerns with the Chief of the SANDF after failing to receive adequate information about the investigation’s progress.
The proceedings form part of the corruption and money laundering case against Mapisa-Nqakula, who is accused of receiving bribes from defence contractor Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu during her tenure as Defence Minister.
The matter is expected to resume on 16 November at 14:00, when the second witness is scheduled to testify.