The investigation of Mapisa-Nqakula, 67, was made public this month by a newspaper, which said she was suspected of receiving at least $120,000 in bribes from a defense contractor between 2016 and 2019. The money was delivered to her in cash in gift bags, according to The Sunday Times newspaper
South Africa’s parliament speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, has taken ‘special leave’ amidst an ongoing corruption probe. Mapisa-Nqakula is accused of soliciting bribes in return for contracts during her tenure as defense minister. Mapisa-Nqakula expressed intentions to step down in a statement published on the parliament website. She said her reason for taking special leave was due to the severity of the allegations. Earlier this week, her home was raided by police. She maintains innocence and claims cooperation with investigators.
South Africa’s National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said on Thursday that she will take special leave as a result of an investigation into alleged corruption during her time as defence minister. Investigators raided Mapisa-Nqakula home on Tuesday as part of the corruption inquiry but did not provide further details on the investigation or the corruption allegations.
Mapisa-Nqakula, who was defence minister from 2012 to 2021, has denied wrongdoing. “Given the seriousness of the allegations and the attendant extensive media speculation, I have decided to take special leave from my position as Speaker of the National Assembly, effective immediately,” Mapisa-Nqakula said in a statement.
She said there has been no formal notification of an arrest warrant or communication regarding her imminent arrest, following local media reports that she was expected to hand herself over to police on Friday.
“My lawyers have, however, proactively informed the National Prosecution Authority of my readiness to comply and cooperate should the need arise,” she said.
South Africa’s state-owned broadcaster SABC reported that Mapisa-Nqakula is suspected of receiving millions of rand in cash as bribes from a former military contractor when she was defence minister.
