SANDF witness details why General Ndlovu's security clearance was not approved

A South African National Defence Force (SANDF) vetting officer, Major-General Gerald Sandile Sizane, has told the Pretoria High Court that General Noel Ndlovu's security vetting file was not approved after concerns emerged during the assessment process, including an investigation involving his wife.

Testifying on Friday in the corruption trial of former Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Sizane said Ndlovu's file raised several unanswered questions.

Sizane told the court that Ndlovu's wife was already under investigation when his security clearance was being processed. This raised concerns during the assessment and contributed to the decision not to approve his file.

He also said questions were raised about Ndlovu's possible involvement in the Umkhombe Marine matter, which centres on allegations involving defence contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu and military contracts.

According to Sizane, Ndlovu was asked whether he had any role in the Umkhombe Marine matter but did not want to answer. This left investigators without clarity on his possible involvement.

Ndlovu's financial affairs were also scrutinised as part of the security assessment. The investigation extended to his family's finances, with investigators seeking to establish whether he had benefited from government tenders or had links to illegal activities.

Sizane said these checks formed part of the broader process of identifying potential security risks.

The outstanding questions meant the SANDF could not approve Ndlovu's vetting file at that stage. It was sent back for further vetting and investigation.

The testimony forms part of the corruption and money laundering case against Mapisa-Nqakula, who is accused of receiving bribes from Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu during her tenure as Defence Minister.