The home of Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the current Speaker of South Africa’s Parliament and former Defence Minister, was subjected to a search and seizure operation, on Tuesday.
Why was Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s home raided?
The National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate (ID), in a statement, confirmed that a search and seizure operation was executed at Mapisa-Nqakula’s residence in connection with an ongoing investigation against her.
Tuesday’s operation marks a significant escalation in the fraud investigation against Mapisa-Nqakula, though the ID has not disclosed further details about the investigation’s specifics or what prompted the raid.
“The NPA’s ID will not be making any further comment on the matter,” the public prosecutor noted.
Allegations of fraud at Defence Ministry resurface
Mapisa-Nqakula, who served as the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans before her current role, has been accused of soliciting over R2 million in cash bribes.
These allegations resurfaced following a report by the Sunday Times, which detailed transactions totalling R2.3 million between Mapisa-Nqakula and Nombasa Ndhlovu, a figure in the military logistics industry, from 2016 to 2019.
Ndhlovu’s affidavit reveals a troubling pattern of demands for cash by Mapisa-Nqakula, initially through intermediaries and later directly.
These demands were reportedly in connection with frustrations Ndhlovu faced over the suspension of a lucrative tender her company had been unduly awarded.
Ndhlovu’s subsequent arrest and release on bail for fraud involving SANDF contracts was the catalyst behind the exposure of the intricate web of alleged corruption within the Defence Ministry, spearheaded by the National Assembly Speaker.
Can Mapisa-Nqakula still serve as Parliament Speaker?
The raid on Mapisa-Nqakula’s home and the allegations against her have cast a shadow over her ability to fulfil her duties as Speaker of the National Assembly.
Legal outcomes, parliamentary regulations, political dynamics, and public opinion will collectively influence whether Mapisa-Nqakula can continue in her role.
Parliament’s joint committee on ethics and members’ interests could be a crucial roleplayer in determining the Speaker’s fate.
Albeit, Monday was the first and last committee meeting in this administration, making it unlikely that any action will be taken against Mapisa-Nqakula.
As a member of the African National Congress (ANC), she could face a suspension pending an investigation by the party’s Integrity Committee, which, at this time, has remained mum on the Speaker’s fraud case.