The Speaker of Parliament in South Africa Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is under investigation over corruption allegations.
On Tuesday, March 19, an elite unit of the South African police reportedly stormed her home in Johannesburg.
The operation was carried out on orders from the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) Investigating Directorate who have been investigating claims of Nqakula soliciting bribes when she the minister of defense.
A statement released later in the day by parliament revealed that the Speaker cooperated with police during the five-hour operation.
“Police conducted a search and seizure procedure at Ms Mapisa-Nqakula’s residence, adding that she welcomed the investigators into her home, co-operating fully,” read part of the report as quoted by BBC.
However, Nqakula maintained she is innocent of all allegations against her. The 67-year-old became the Speaker of Parliament in 2021.
Previously she served in government as the defense minister from 2012 to 2021. It is during this period that she is accused of soliciting $120,000 (KSh15,840,000) from a business seeking a tender to transfer army equipment to South Africa from other parts of the continent.
Parliament in a statement added that Nqakula was in favor of the fight against corruption particularly within government institutions.
“Ms Mapisa-Nqakula herself believes that corruption poses a significant threat to the principles of democracy and good governance.
“Therefore, she is profoundly disturbed by such allegations,” read part of the statement.
The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed news of the raid, but did not reveal their findings or what charges would be brought against the Speaker.
The Democratic Alliance accused Parliament of protecting President Cyril Ramaphosa who appointed Nqakula to his cabinet in 2012.
This is after Ramaphosa declined to respond to corruption allegations against the Speaker during a question-and-answer session on Tuesday afternoon.
Leader of the Democratic Alliance John Steenhuisen argued that Parliament was working under the authority of the Executive hence why they are not holding senior officials accountable.
