Cape Town – The National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula on Thursday announced that she has taken “special leave” from her position amid media reports that said she would be arrested tomorrow.
Earlier in the week the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) officials swooped on Mapisa-Nqakula’s Johannesburg home, where they spent five hours.
The Speaker was recently accused of accepting kickbacks from a tender awardee when she was defence minister.
Mapisa-Nqakula denies the allegations.
However, the Mail & Guardian reported earlier today, Thursday (21 March 2024) that the Speaker will be arrested tomorrow, Friday (22 March 2024).
“Speaker to be arrested over R4 million in corruption and money laundering,” the publication claimed.
Responding to the reports, Mapisa-Nqakula said in a statement Thursday: “In light of recent media speculations and allegations of my imminent arrest, I feel compelled to make the following statement:
“As the Speaker of the 6th Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, I hold the utmost respect for our legislative system and the laws of our nation, some of which I have been privileged to pass.
“I assure the nation of my willingness to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies on any matter that may arise.”
The 67-year-old Speaker added: “I wish to place it on record, that while the Investigative Directorate of the National Prosecution Authority conducted a search and seizure at my residence, there has been no formal notification of an arrest warrant or communication regarding an imminent arrest for me, neither to me nor my legal team”.
She said her lawyers have proactively informed the National Prosecution Authority of her readiness to comply and cooperate should the need arise.
“Given the seriousness of the allegations and the attendant extensive media speculation, I have decided to take special leave from my position as Speaker of the National Assembly, effective immediately,” Mapisa-Nqakula said.
“This decision has been communicated to the Secretary of Parliament and to the President of the Republic in his capacity as Head of State.
“This decision by myself is meant to protect the integrity of Parliament and ensure its sacred duty and its name continue unblemished.
“Consequently… I will also not be attending the long-planned 148th Session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly taking place in Geneva, Switzerland.”
Mapisa-Nqakula said she has also communicated her decision to take special leave to her party, the African National Congress.
“I hope this statement clarifies my position, reaffirms my commitment to upholding the integrity of my office, and demonstrates my full cooperation with the legal process,” she said.
