By: Natasha Archary
The Office of the Speaker of Parliament, says Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has slammed reports of her arrest as false, and says she remains on “special leave” amid allegations of bribery against her.
Following an investigation into allegations that Mapisa-Nqakula accepted R2.3 million in bribes, calls for her to resign or face Parliament’s impeachment process intensified this week.
Allegations against the Speaker of Parliament
On Tuesday, 19 March the Investigating Directorate (ID) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) conducted a search and seizure operation at the Speaker’s home.
It was brought to light that Mapisa-Nqakula allegedly accepted these bribes while moonlighting as Defence Minister.
The alleged transgressions reportedly took place between November 2016 and July 2019.
Amongst the allegations Mapisa-Nqakula faces, is the 70% salary increase that she now needs to explain authorizing for Parliament’s Secretary, Xolile George.
George’s annual salary increased from R2.6 million to R4.4 million in less than a year, which meant he earned more than President Cyril Ramaphosa following his appointment in June 2022.
Reports that suggest her arrest is a fabrication
In a statement issued on Friday, 22 March, the Speaker’s office said the reports of her arrest were a fabrication by UDM leader, Bantu Holomisa.
“This morning, the country woke up to a media frenzy with news that the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, has been arrested or handed herself over to the police in relation to the investigation against her by the NPA.
The news seem to have even sparked by an X account post by the Leader of the UDM, Mr.Bantu Holomisa early hours of this morning.
These reports are simply not true and a fabrication by Mr. Holomisa, who simply published these untruths without caring to verify the true facts or the harm that it does to the name of others.
It is concerning that the media houses running with the story do not apply a better test to determine the veracity of rumours that they receive before publishing. This is a growing trend in South African media and the practice unfortunately not only undermines the rights of the victims of this gossip reporting but makes a mockery of the independence, integrity and professionalism of our media.
We can confirm that the Speaker and her family are at home and that she has had no interaction with the NPA ID since the Search and Seizure operation at her house on Tuesday, the 19th of March 2024. We can also confirm that this morning the Speaker has filed papers in court challenging the manner in which the search and seizure warrant was obtained and the operation itself. She also demands, within her right that she be given full disclosure of all material information relating to the case, including the full docket in order to be able to prepare her defence against what she regards as baseless allegations against her. In her papers the Speaker urges the NPA to provide to her the details of the case against her as this seems to have already been given to the media, subjecting her to a trial by the media, without any means to defend herself against these public allegations.
The Speaker remains on Special Leave from her official duties as she prepares to defend herself against these allegations and flagrant tarnishing of her reputation with impunity. The Speaker’s legal team will communicate any developments in the case to both the public and the media.”
Legal Expert, Mpumelelo Zikalala, joined Sizwe Dhlomo on 959 Breakfast to elaborate on what this special leave entails under the constitution.
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