A SPECIAL investigations unit in South Africa conducted a search and seizure operation at the residence of the Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, on Tuesday, as part of a probe into allegations of bribery during her tenure as defence minister.
Confirming the operation, Parliament issued a statement acknowledging the search at Mapisa-Nqakula’s Johannesburg home. The veteran lawmaker, affiliated with the ruling African National Congress party, denied any wrongdoing, asserting she has ‘nothing to hide’ and cooperating fully with investigators during the five-hour-long search.
In her statement to the press, Mapisa-Nqakula said, ‘I reaffirm that I have nothing to hide and I remain committed to the principles of transparency and accountability. I will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities in their investigation.’
The investigation into Mapisa-Nqakula’s conduct was sparked by revelations published by a newspaper earlier this month, which alleged that she received bribes totalling at least $120,000 from a defence contractor between 2016 and 2019. According to reports, the payments were allegedly delivered to her in cash, concealed within gift bags.
A spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority confirmed that the search and seizure operation was conducted by its investigating directorate, signalling the seriousness of the allegations against the Speaker.
‘The National Prosecuting Authority takes allegations of corruption very seriously,’ the spokesperson stated. ‘Our investigating directorate is committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into these allegations.’
The development underscores growing concerns over corruption within South Africa’s political establishment, with Mapisa-Nqakula’s case highlighting the need for robust accountability measures. As the investigation progresses, the nation awaits further developments in this high-profile bribery probe.