In an effort to look into claims that the Speaker of Parliament accepted bribes while serving as the defense minister, a special investigation unit in South Africa searched her residence for more than five hours on Tuesday and confiscated evidence.
A statement from Parliament confirmed the search and seizure operation at the residence of veteran legislator Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula of the ruling African National Congress party.
Parliament stated she was cooperative with the investigators. The Speaker denied any wrongdoing, reaffirming that “she has nothing to hide.”
This month, a tabloid revealed the inquiry into Mapisa-Nqakula, claiming that she was accused of accepting bribes of at least $120,000 from a defense contractor between 2016 and 2019. The Sunday Times newspaper reported that the money was given to her in cash in gift bags.
The National Prosecuting Authority’s investigation directorate conducted the search, according to a spokesperson for the organization.
On Tuesday, Mapisa-Nqakula was scheduled to preside over a Parliamentary session in which legislators asked President Cyril Ramaphosa questions. Though she was not present, the deputy speaker handled the questions in her absence.
According to the opposition Democratic Alliance party, she should resign because “she cannot be entrusted with this high office.”
When Mapisa-Nqakula was the defense minister, she was accused of accepting bribes. However, a parliamentary investigation into the matter was discontinued around the time she was appointed speaker in 2021.
Mapisa-Nqakula is another senior African National Congress (ANC) member who has been charged with corruption during the tenure of former South African President Jacob Zuma. Zuma led the most developed nation in Africa from 2009 to 2018 until his forced resignation due to a string of graft allegations. He is on trial for suspected crimes related to corruption, committed prior to his presidency.
The corruption scandals have severely tarnished the ANC’s image. Analysts speculate that South Africa would experience a coalition government for the first time, as a result of a fall in ANC support.
Melissa Enoch
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