Mapisa-Nqakula declines to meet Mkhwebane over bribery claims
National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has declined a request for a meeting by suspended public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane.
The request for a meeting follows a claim by Mkhwebane that three high-profile MPs attempted to extort R600,000 from her in exchange for squashing the inquiry into her fitness to hold office.
Parliament’s spokesperson Moloto Mothapo says Mapisa-Nqakula advised her to file a formal complaint with the joint committee on ethics and members' interests.
“Given that the procedure for referring matters for investigation at a level of Parliament is clearly outlined in the code and on the website of Parliament. Advocate Mkhwebane did not need to meet with the Speaker to discuss it. It is important that a Speaker remains impartial throughout this process”.
The three high-profile officials alleged to be attempting to extort money from Mkhwebane reportedly include the chairperson of the inquiry, Qubudile Dyantyi, ANC Chief Whip Pemmy Majodina and former cabinet minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson.
Meanwhile, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said during a media briefing in North West on Sunday that, the party will not hesitate to act against any person found guilty.
“If there is anybody who is found guilty of bribery in the case against Busisiwe Mkhwebane, the ANC will not hesitate to act.”
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