NORMA Mngoma, the estranged wife of former Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba, revealed on Monday that the couple received hard cash, expensive gifts, sponsored romantic trips and a high-powered BMW vehicle from Ajay Gupta.
Mngoma was detailing Gigaba’s relationship with the controversial Gupta family during her appearance at the State Capture Commission.
She said Ajay Gupta handed over the BMW to the estranged husband in her presence at the offices of Sahara computers in Midrand, north of Johannesburg.
Mngoma said she used the BMW as her private car, but Gigaba later informed her that he had given the car to one of his friends to fix the lights.
She said the car never returned.
Mngoma also told the commission that she paid all expenses for lavish wedding, including caterers and other suppliers in cash from the bundles of money she received from Gigaba.
According to her estimates, her wedding cost between R4 to R5 million.
Mngoma also detailed how Gigaba’s father asked him to assist his sister, Nozipho Gigaba, to settle a R850 000 bad debt in her name.
She said Gigaba told her that he would speak to Ajay Gupta for the money which was delivered via his legal advisor, Siyabonga Mahlangu.
Mngoma was initially expected to testify earlier this month, but withdrew at the last minute.
This prompted the chair of the commission to issue Mngoma with a summons.
She testified on Monday night that for Zondo to summons her to appear before the commission was a bit ‘harsh’.
Before her testimony, her estranged husband applied to cross-examine her and ask that her evidence be heard in camera.
Zondo dismissed the application.
- Inside Politics
