Footage captured outside Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula‘s house, allegedly showing a snake outside her property, has sparked a flurry of speculation and conspiracy theories, adding a peculiar angle to the former National Assembly Speaker’s unfolding legal drama.
Watch: Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula hauled to first court appearance
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Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and money laundering, accusations stemming from her tenure as Defence Minister.
The charges allege that she received substantial bribes from a defence contractor, marking a notable moment in her political career as she stands before the court to respond to these serious allegations, on Thursday.
The court proceedings are expected to be brief, with either the former Speaker posting bail or registering the services of a legal representative and being hauled to jail.
Mapisa-Nqakula was still in court when this article was published.
Was that a snake outside her house?
Online, speculation is rife about an apparent reptilian sighting outside the disgraced ANC member’s Pretoria estate.
The video in question, taken by SABC News journalist Chriselda Lewis, intended to document Mapisa-Nqakula’s journey to court. Instead, it inadvertently spotlighted what appeared to be a snake slithering towards her home.
This imagery has led to rampant online discussion, with many diving into conspiracy theories regarding its symbolism.
A closer examination suggests the creature may actually be a bird, but this clarification has done little to dampen the fervour of public speculation.
Here’s what happens now that Mapisa-Nqakula has resigned
Complicating matters further, Mapisa-Nqakula has resigned as National Assembly Speaker. In her resignation letter, dated 3 April, she stated that her decision was driven by a desire to preserve the integrity of Parliament, asserting that her resignation should not be seen as an admission of guilt.
Her departure follows a dismissed legal appeal to prevent her arrest.
” I believe that, at the right time, I will have the opportunity to thoroughly address these allegations as and when they have been formally brought against me in the appropriate forums, at which time I will clear my good name. I maintain my innocence and am determined to restore my good reputation,” she noted.
Currently, Lechasa Tsenoli is expected to complete Parliament’s term as acting National Speaker under this administration, which concludes at the foot of the 2024 general elections in May 2024.
