South African Parliament Speaker Steps Aside for Corruption Inquiry
On Thursday, South Africa‘s National Assembly Speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, announced that she would be taking special leave in response to an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption during her tenure as defense minister.
The decision to take special leave comes after investigators conducted a raid at Mapisa-Nqakula’s home on Tuesday as part of the corruption inquiry. However, specific details regarding the investigation or the allegations of corruption were not disclosed.
Mapisa-Nqakula, who served as defense minister from 2012 to 2021, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. In a statement, she addressed the seriousness of the allegations and the extensive media speculation surrounding them, leading to her decision to step aside from her role as Speaker of the National Assembly with immediate effect.
Despite reports in local media suggesting that she was expected to surrender to authorities on Friday following the issuance of an arrest warrant, Mapisa-Nqakula stated that she had not received any formal notification of such warrant or imminent arrest. She assured that her legal team has informed the National Prosecution Authority of her willingness to comply and cooperate if necessary.
Reports from South Africa’s state-owned broadcaster, SABC, indicated that Mapisa-Nqakula is suspected of having received millions of rand in cash bribes from a former military contractor during her tenure as defence minister.