SOUTH African prosecutors have filed charges of corruption and money laundering against former National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, marking a significant development following her resignation amid a graft inquiry.
Upon the announcement of the charges, Mapisa-Nqakula, 67, was granted bail by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. Despite the accusations, she staunchly maintained her innocence. ‘My resignation is in no way an indication or admission of guilt regarding the allegations being levelled against me,’ she asserted.
Lead prosecutor Bheki Manyathi disclosed, ‘Mapisa-Nqakula is being charged with 12 counts of corruption and one of money laundering.’ The court, presided over by Magistrate Anna Oosthuizen, deemed a bail amount of 50,000 rand ($2,678) as sufficient, with the condition that Mapisa-Nqakula surrender her passport.
‘We are satisfied that the amount initially suggested for bail is adequate in this matter,’ Magistrate Oosthuizen remarked.
In response to the bail conditions, Mapisa-Nqakula’s lawyer emphasised her commitment to legal proceedings, stating, ‘My client voluntarily came to court today. She is not a flight risk.’
Mapisa-Nqakula’s resignation from both her position as National Assembly speaker and as a member of parliament was tendered on Wednesday, prior to the formal charges. She had faced scrutiny following a raid on her residence last month as part of the graft inquiry.
‘I resigned as a member of parliament in order to focus on defending myself against these allegations,’ Mapisa-Nqakula reiterated.
The case is set to reconvene on June 4, offering further insight into the allegations and evidence against Mapisa-Nqakula. As legal proceedings unfold, the implications for South Africa’s political landscape and its ongoing battle against corruption remain significant.