The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has resumed its prosecution of Nokwazi Ngonyama, the wife of former ANC spokesperson and former South African ambassador to Japan Smuts Ngonyama, over allegations that she assaulted a domestic worker at the official ambassadorial residence in Tokyo in 2023.
The matter, which has been before the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court in the Eastern Cape, was previously delayed for about three years before the prosecution decided to proceed with the case. According to the NPA, the case is back on the court roll and will continue through the normal criminal justice process.
Eastern Cape NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali confirmed that the prosecution is proceeding with the matter.
“The matter is enrolled before the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court and the State is ready to proceed with the prosecution,” Tyali said.
Ngonyama faces a charge of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm following allegations that she attacked former domestic worker Tandiswa Tokwe with a broomstick on 14 July 2023 while Tokwe was employed at the South African ambassador’s official residence in Tokyo.
Tokwe, who had worked for the Ngonyama family since May 2019, alleges she was struck several times on her arms and thighs during the incident after being questioned about what was happening inside the residence. She later sought medical treatment at a clinic in Tokyo, where she was reportedly treated for injuries and diagnosed with trauma-related insomnia.
Following the alleged assault, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) was informed of the incident. Smuts Ngonyama subsequently wrote to then DIRCO Director-General Zane Dangor, apologising for what he described as a “physically violent incident” involving his wife and the domestic worker. According to the correspondence, Nokwazi Ngonyama also apologised to Tokwe, who initially remained in her employment before resigning on 27 July 2023 and returning to South Africa, saying she feared for her safety.
The dispute later extended beyond the criminal case when settlement negotiations were initiated. The ambassador reportedly offered to pay Tokwe R195,231, representing the balance of her employment contract, on condition that she waive any legal action and sign a non-disclosure agreement. Tokwe rejected the proposal, insisting she would not abandon her right to pursue criminal and civil remedies.
The criminal prosecution will now continue in the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court, where the State is expected to present its case against Nokwazi Ngonyama. She remains accused and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
