National Assembly speaker takes special leave amid corruption allegations
Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, has on Thursday announced her decision to take special leave from her post in the wake of allegations of corruption.
It comes after the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate conducted a search and seizure operation at her Johannesburg home on Tuesday.
The probe is linked to alleged corruption during her tenure as minister of defence and military veterans.
A well-known defence industry businesswoman claims she paid bribes totalling some R2 million to Mapisa-Nqakula during her time as minister.
In a statement, Mapisa-Nqakula stated that there hasn't been no formal notification of an arrest warrant or communication regarding an imminent arrest for her nor her legal team.
"My lawyers have, however, proactively informed the NPA of my readiness to comply and cooperate should the need arise. Given the seriousness of the allegations and the attendant extensive media speculation, I have decided to take special leave from my position as Speaker of the National Assembly, effective immediately”.
"This decision by myself is meant to protect the integrity of Parliament and ensure its sacred duty and its name continue unblemished. Consequently therefore, I will also not be attending the long planned 148th Session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly taking place in Geneva, Switzerland”.
"I have also communicated my decision to take special leave to the African National Congress. I hope this statement clarifies my position, reaffirms my commitment to upholding the integrity of my office, and demonstrates my full cooperation with the legal process” said Mapisa-Nqakula.
She is expected to appear before the Pretoria Specialised Court today.
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