Cape Town – Former Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, has surrendered to police amidst a corruption investigation.
The SABC reported at approximately 7 am that two sport utility vehicles, including an Audi Q7 and a black BMW X5, were seen arriving at the Lyttelton police station, transporting Mapisa-Nqakula, according to IOL.
She is expected to appear in court after being charged.
Her resignation from the Speaker position came amid mounting pressure and threats of arrest by the National Prosecuting Authority.
Mapisa-Nqakula is accused of receiving kickbacks exceeding R2.3 million from a defense contractor during her tenure as South Africa’s defense minister.
Despite her resignation, she maintains her innocence, stating that her decision aims to facilitate legal proceedings.
Political Parties Welcome Resignation of Speaker Mapisa-Nqakula
Cape Town – The resignation of Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has been welcomed by political parties, who deemed it long overdue and a step to protect Parliament’s integrity.
Mapisa-Nqakula resigned on Wednesday, weeks after her home was raided in a graft probe likely to hurt the ruling African National Congress heading into May elections, AFP reported.
In her resignation letter, she said she decided to step down with immediate effect to uphold the integrity of parliament and focus on the investigation against her.
“Given the seriousness of the much-publicised allegations against me, I cannot continue in this role,” she wrote.
JUST IN: Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has announced her immediate resignation as National Assembly Speaker – as the date for her first corruption trial court appearance has yet to be confirmed by @NPA_Prosecutes.
Full statement: pic.twitter.com/uvD5GM4ifL
— Karyn Maughan (@karynmaughan) April 3, 2024
Mapisa-Nqakula is accused of soliciting hefty amounts in bribes from a former military contractor during her previous tenure as defence minister.
She denies the allegations.
According to IOL, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Democratic Alliance (DA), and ActionSA emphasised the need for legal proceedings to continue.
“This is a responsible decision by Mapisa-Nqakula as it allows her to focus on her legal matters without dragging Parliament along any further,” the report quoted IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa as saying.
While some parties welcomed the resignation, concerns were raised about the timing and motives behind it, the report said.
Despite the resignation, parties reiterated the importance of accountability and maintaining the integrity of Parliament.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@XoliMngambi
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
