On Monday, South African prosecutors announced their intention to charge the parliamentary speaker with corruption.
They claim she received $135,000 and a wig in bribes over a three-year period while serving as defense minister.
Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has not faced arrest or charges. Prosecutors made these assertions during a court hearing where Mapisa-Nqakula argued that authorities had not properly informed her of the allegations or followed the correct investigation procedure.
Judge Sulet Potterill announced she would deliver a ruling on April 2 regarding Mapisa-Nqakula’s request for a temporary block on her arrest by the police. Mapisa-Nqakula also seeks access to documents detailing the evidence against her.
Prosecutors rejected her requests, arguing she is seeking preferential treatment.
According to court documents submitted for the hearing, prosecutors claim Mapisa-Nqakula, aged 67, received 11 payments totaling $135,000 between December 2016 and July 2019. They also allege she demanded an additional bribe of $105,000, which was not paid.
The documents further state that in February 2019, Mapisa-Nqakula received over $15,000 and a wig during a meeting at the country’s main international airport.
The individual who allegedly provided the bribes remains unidentified. Prosecutors gave her the option to surrender herself at a police station and then appear in court to face formal charges. They stated they would not contest her bail.
Mapisa-Nqakula has denied the allegations and expressed her willingness to cooperate with authorities following the search of her Johannesburg home and the seizure of evidence last week.
Also Read: SA Parliament Speaker On Special Leave Amid Graft Probe.
She has taken a leave of absence from her position as Parliament’s speaker.
Beforehand, she encountered bribery accusations, yet a parliamentary inquiry concluded in 2021.
The case resurfaced after a whistleblower came forward last year, according to prosecutors.
Her situation marks the latest corruption scandal to impact the ruling African National Congress party, which is gearing up for a crucial national election on May 29.
AP