Ex-Denel chairperson, former CEO to study docket of corruption

Two former Denel senior officials have been given time to study the docket before their next appearance in court for corruption

Former Denel Board of Directors Chairperson, Lungisani Daniel Mantsha and his co-accused Zwelakhe Nhlanganiso Ntshepe, a former Group Chief Executive Officer, appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crime Court last week.

Docket

Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) Henry Mamothame said the matter was postponed to 30 July 2025.

“The case was postponed for them to familiarise themselves with the contents of the docket and compare it to the docket disclosures provided by the state in a USB, to that of the original docket, prior to the start of the trial.

“Their R30 000 bail was extended and they are expected back in court when the matter resumes,” Mamothame said.  

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Charges

Mantsha and Ntshepe are accused of being involved in the irregular approval and establishment of the Denel Asia Joint Venture between VR Laser South Africa (VRLSA) and the private Hong Kong company Denel Asia.

Mamothame said the duo allegedly disregarded a directive by the finance minister stipulating that all transactions relating to Denel should be subject to the approval of the finance and public enterprises ministers.

“This was following the finance minister issuing a guarantee to Denel in the amount of R1.8 billion. They are also accused of receiving gratification for their alleged involvement in facilitating the deal.

“It was further discovered that confidential information relating to the affairs of the Board of Directors was disclosed between July 2014 and May 2016,” Mamothame said.

Denel

Mamothame said there were further discoveries of disregard for the Public Finance Management Act stipulations by allegedly awarding bursaries without the required authority to do so.

Denel, a South African state-owned aerospace and military technology conglomerate, is said to be a 51% shareholder in Denel Asia, while VRLSA holds 49%.

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