Facing potential arrest on charges of corruption and bribery, South Africa’s embattled National Assembly Speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, remains at liberty for now, with judgment reserved until April 2nd regarding her application to halt any imminent arrest.
South African state prosecutors announced on Monday their intention to prosecute the parliament speaker, alleging she accepted $135,000 and a wig in bribes over a three-year span during her tenure as defense minister. Mapisa-Nqakula vehemently denies these allegations.
During the legal proceedings, Reginald Willis, representing Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, argued, “Although the constitutional right to freedom of movement and dignity does not obligate the respondents, if they choose to arrest the applicant under Section 40, a warrant, they should consider less invasive methods to bring her before the court, respecting her constitutional rights.”
This scandal marks the latest in a series of corruption controversies surrounding the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, which faces a crucial national election on May 29.
In court documents, prosecutors allege that Mapisa-Nqakula received 11 payments totaling $135,000 between December 2016 and July 2019, and she sought an additional $105,000 bribe that was not paid.
During the proceedings, Makhosi Gwala, state advocate, argued, “We request Your Ladyship to dismiss this application due to lack of urgency, non-compliance with the practice directive, and particularly because they fail to demonstrate that they will suffer irreparable harm. If Her Ladyship agrees, we propose that the costs should include the fees of two counsels.”
In light of the situation, Mapisa-Nqakula has opted to take a leave of absence from her position as parliament speaker.
