SOUTH Africa’s National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has initiated legal proceedings to forestall potential arrest amidst escalating corruption investigations. In a proactive move, Mapisa-Nqakula filed an urgent court application seeking an interdict against her anticipated arrest by law enforcement agencies.
An official close to Mapisa-Nqakula revealed to state broadcaster SABC that the Speaker took decisive legal action, simultaneously requesting the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to disclose the details of the corruption probe against her.
Addressing reports of her imminent arrest, Mapisa-Nqakula dismissed the claims, stating, ‘I have launched an urgent court application to interdict any possible arrest by the police.’ She emphasised her commitment to transparency, adding, ‘I have also submitted an application to the NPA for full disclosure on the nature of the investigation.’
Earlier on Friday, local media outlets circulated reports alleging Mapisa-Nqakula’s surrender to authorities, with her subsequent detention pending a court appearance. However, the NPA remained unavailable for immediate comment when approached for clarification.
The scrutiny intensified following a recent raid on Mapisa-Nqakula’s Johannesburg residence by an elite police unit. The operation aimed to gather evidence related to alleged corruption during her tenure as defense minister, implicating her in bribery allegations for contract issuance—a charge firmly refuted by Mapisa-Nqakula.
In response to the mounting allegations, Mapisa-Nqakula announced her decision to take special leave from her role as Speaker, effective immediately. ‘Given the seriousness of the allegations and the extensive media speculation, I have decided to take special leave,’ she affirmed, underscoring her commitment to upholding parliamentary integrity.
Mapisa-Nqakula further expressed her readiness to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, stating, ‘I hold the utmost respect for our legislative system and the laws of our nation. I assure the nation of my willingness to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies on any matter that may arise.’
Amidst the legal tumult, Mapisa-Nqakula cancelled her scheduled participation in the 148th Session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, signalling her focus on addressing the unfolding legal challenges domestically.
The unfolding saga highlights the gravity of corruption allegations within South Africa’s political sphere and underscores the measures taken by key figures to address and mitigate their impact on national institutions.