South African investigators, acting on behalf of the National Prosecution Authority (NPA), conducted a raid on the home of Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the Speaker of the National Assembly, as part of a corruption inquiry. The operation, lasting over five hours, was linked to allegations of corruption during Mapisa-Nqakula’s tenure as defence minister. Reports suggest that she is suspected of receiving millions of rands in cash bribes from a former military contractor.
Mapisa-Nqakula has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting her innocence and stating that she has nothing to hide. She cooperated fully with investigators during the search at her residence in Johannesburg’s Bruma suburb. However, details regarding the investigation and specific corruption allegations have not been disclosed by either parliament or the NPA, leaving it unclear whether charges will be brought against her.
The raid comes at a challenging time for President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ruling African National Congress (ANC), which has been grappling with allegations of widespread corruption. Mapisa-Nqakula’s role as defence minister during a period of rioting in 2021 has also drawn scrutiny, adding to the political pressure surrounding the investigation.
Mapisa-Nqakula, a veteran lawmaker within the ANC, has been accused of soliciting bribes from a defence contractor while serving as defence minister between 2016 and 2019. The investigation into these allegations gained public attention following a report by a local newspaper, which claimed that she received bribes totalling at least $120,000 in cash.
The search and seizure operation at Mapisa-Nqakula’s residence was confirmed by Parliament, emphasising her cooperation with investigators. However, the National Prosecuting Authority provided limited details about the operation and did not indicate whether charges would be filed.
Corruption allegations have plagued South African politics for years, with former President Jacob Zuma facing numerous charges related to corruption and mismanagement of state resources. President Ramaphosa’s administration has vowed to tackle corruption, but the recent raid underscores the challenges that remain in rooting out graft within the government.
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