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NPA searches Speaker's home in corruption investigation
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has undertaken a search and seizure operation at the home of National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who has been accused of corrupt activities during her tenure as the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans.
In a statement on Tuesday, Parliament confirmed the investigation and said Mapisa-Nqakula's commitment to public service with "honour and integrity" was unwavering.
It is alleged that Mapisa-Nqakula took bribes totalling R2.3-million from a South African National Defence Force contractor, and that she approved a 70% salary hike for the Secretary to Parliament Xolile George, raising his annual package from R2.6-million to R4.4-million.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) approached Parliament's Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests to ask for an investigation into the allegations.
"The Speaker steadfastly upholds her strong conviction of innocence, and reaffirms that she has nothing to hide. In line with this, she has welcomed investigators into her home, cooperating fully during the extensive search that lasted over five hours," Parliament said.
It added that Mapisa-Nqakula was "profoundly disturbed" by the allegations as it contradicts what she represents.
Parliament noted that Mapisa-Nqakula's diary and engagements in the National Assembly were disturbed as a result of the search.
Meanwhile, the DA is calling for Mapisa-Nqakula to step down as Speaker, in light of the investigation.
"Ultimately, as the head of the legislature in South Africa, the Speaker holds a position of great responsibility. The Rules of Parliament envision that the Speaker is someone who "upholds the dignity and good name of the House. Having one's home raided due to corruption allegations of this serious nature defy the very essence of this requirement by the Rules. To retain public trust in the institution, Mapisa-Nqakula must step down. She cannot be entrusted with this high office," said DA chief whip Siviwe Gwarube.
She added that the allegations raised doubts about Mapisa-Nqakula's ability to fill her role as Speaker and added that her presence in office undermined the integrity of the legislative institution.
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By PolityThe National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has undertaken a search and seizure operation at the home of National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who has been accused of corrupt activities during her tenure as the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans.
In a statement on Tuesday, Parliament confirmed the investigation and said Mapisa-Nqakula's commitment to public service with "honour and integrity" was unwavering.
It is alleged that Mapisa-Nqakula took bribes totalling R2.3-million from a South African National Defence Force contractor, and that she approved a 70% salary hike for the Secretary to Parliament Xolile George, raising his annual package from R2.6-million to R4.4-million.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) approached Parliament's Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests to ask for an investigation into the allegations.
"The Speaker steadfastly upholds her strong conviction of innocence, and reaffirms that she has nothing to hide. In line with this, she has welcomed investigators into her home, cooperating fully during the extensive search that lasted over five hours," Parliament said.
It added that Mapisa-Nqakula was "profoundly disturbed" by the allegations as it contradicts what she represents.
Parliament noted that Mapisa-Nqakula's diary and engagements in the National Assembly were disturbed as a result of the search.
Meanwhile, the DA is calling for Mapisa-Nqakula to step down as Speaker, in light of the investigation.
"Ultimately, as the head of the legislature in South Africa, the Speaker holds a position of great responsibility. The Rules of Parliament envision that the Speaker is someone who "upholds the dignity and good name of the House. Having one's home raided due to corruption allegations of this serious nature defy the very essence of this requirement by the Rules. To retain public trust in the institution, Mapisa-Nqakula must step down. She cannot be entrusted with this high office," said DA chief whip Siviwe Gwarube.
She added that the allegations raised doubts about Mapisa-Nqakula's ability to fill her role as Speaker and added that her presence in office undermined the integrity of the legislative institution.