Former South African Parliamentary Speaker Detained by Police

Parliamentary speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula of South Africa has been taken into custody and charged with bribery and money laundering following her announcement of resignation on Wednesday amidst corruption allegations. Mapisa-Nqakula voluntarily surrendered to the police and appeared before a court in Pretoria on Thursday.

According to an official from the National Prosecuting Authority, she is facing 12 counts of corruption and one count of money laundering. In her resignation letter, Mapisa-Nqakula, a member of the ruling African National Congress party, stated that she is stepping down immediately to uphold the integrity of the parliament and to focus on the ongoing investigation against her.

The former speaker is accused of accepting bribes totaling $135,000 during her tenure as defense minister from 2014 to 2021, including an alleged incident in February 2019 where she received over $15,000 and a wig at a South African international airport.

Prosecutors have also alleged that the politician requested an additional $105,000 bribe, which was not given. The individual accused of offering the bribe was a member of the country’s defense forces. Furthermore, investigations revealed that the 67-year-old activist, known for her involvement in the anti-apartheid movement, allegedly solicited 2.3 million rand (equivalent to over $122,000) in gift bags from a former military contractor, all of which she has denied.

Mapisa-Nqakula’s resignation and subsequent detention occurred subsequent to a court dismissing her plea to prevent law enforcement from apprehending and charging her. Last month, a team of investigators conducted a search at Mapisa-Nqakula’s residence in Johannesburg. She had taken legal measures to contest the validity of the search and seizure warrant, as well as to demand the court to reveal the evidence against her.

The ANC party, preparing for a national election on May 29, has declared that it will adhere to its integrity and step-aside policies based on emerging facts from the inquiry involving Mapisa-Nqakula, who had previously taken a break from parliament. With the party, in power for thirty years, facing the risk of losing its overall majority in the upcoming vote.