Opposition parties call for Mapisa -Nqakula's 'immediate' arrest
Nosiviwe Mapisa -Nqakula must present herself to the police “finish and klaar”, United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa urged on Tuesday.
Holomisa joined several opposition parties calling for the National Assembly Speaker’s head after her failed urgent application to interdict her eminent arrest in the High Court in Pretoria.
READ: Court dismisses Mapisa-Nqakula’s application to block her arrest
Mapisa-Nqakula is at the centre of multi-million-rand bribery allegations dating back to her days as defence minister, where she is said to have pocketed over R2 million from a prominent army contractor.
Holomisa has called on Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula to vacate office and spare Parliament the processes of the motion of no confidence against her.
The Democratic Alliance brought the motion.
READ MORE: DA renews push for confidence vote in Mapisa-Nqakula
The Economic Freedom Fighters also called on the speaker to step down immediately, reiterating calls for her speedy arrest.
“We demand that the law enforcement agencies swiftly proceed with the arrest of Mapisa-Nakula and ensure that she faces the full consequences of her actions. The EFF will not stand idly by while those entrusted with public office betray the trust of the people and undermine the integrity of our democracy,” it said in a statement.
“Furthermore, Mapisa-Nakula's negligence and insatiable greed have not only tarnished her reputation but have also led to dire consequences for the South African National Defence Force. The recent deployment of over 600 South African soldiers in the Southern African Development Community mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo highlights the appalling state of affairs within the SANDF.”
The EFF’s Statement Demanding the Immediate Arrest of Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) April 2, 2024
-The EFF insists that no individual, regardless of their position or perceived importance, should be above the law. Mapisa-Nqakula's assertion of her own significance as South Africa's "third… pic.twitter.com/Ln8L7gIdL2
At the same time, the Freedom Front Plus also came out in support of the motion of no confidence against the speaker.
“Mapisa-Nqakula cannot expect special treatment because she is the Speaker of the National Assembly. Neither she nor anyone else in South Africa is above the law. She should be arrested as soon as possible and then apply for bail, just like any other ordinary citizen.
“This should serve as an example for other politicians and high-ranking officials; no one should violate the law and think they can get away with it,” said party leader Pieter Groenewald.
Meanwhile, Mapisa-Nqakula’s party, the African National Congress, says it noted Tuesday’s judgment and will put its integrity and step-aside processes into motion while allowing the law to take its course.
“The ANC is committed to respecting the laws of the country and allowing the justice process to take its course. As such, the ANC will enforce its integrity and step aside policies to preserve the integrity of the movement,” said spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri.
The speaker has maintained her willingness to work with authorities, saying that the state’s case against her is weak.
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