Investigators carried out a raid on the residence of South African National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula in Johannesburg on Tuesday, as part of a corruption inquiry, according to parliament.
Parliament stated that the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) Investigating Directorate conducted the operation, which is related to an investigation into alleged corruption during Mapisa-Nqakula’s tenure as defence minister.
According to the South African state-owned broadcaster SABC, suspicions have arisen that Mapisa-Nqakula, residing in Johannesburg, received millions of rands in cash bribes from a former military contractor during her time as defence minister.
“The parliament stated that the Speaker maintains her unwavering belief in her innocence and asserts that she has no secrets to conceal,” affirming that the search of her home lasted more than five hours.
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Both the parliament and the NPA refrained from disclosing additional information regarding the investigation or the corruption accusations. It remained uncertain whether any charges would be filed against her.
Mapisa-Nqakula, a long-standing member of the ruling African National Congress, served as South Africa’s defence minister from 2012 to 2021.
REUTERS