Speaker of the South African Parliament steps down amid a corruption investigation
Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa, announced her resignation on Wednesday in the midst of an inquiry into allegations of corruption during her time as the defense minister.
Investigators conducting the corruption probe invaded Mapisa-Nqakula’s home last month; they withheld information about the investigation and the charges.
“My resignation is in no way an indication or admission of guilt regarding the allegations being levelled against me,” she stated in a statement.
READ ALSO: Tribunal for Slavery? Caribbean and Africa come together for restitution
Her resignation takes effect immediately, and she also gives up her seat in the parliament.
From 2012 until 2021, Mapisa-Nqakula served as minister of defense. She is allegedly suspected of accepting millions of rand in cash bribes from a former military contractor, according to a report by South Africa’s state-run television SABC.
After the raid, Mapisa-Nqakula requested a special leave of absence. On Tuesday, she lost her legal attempt to prevent the arrest of the individual.
She has not yet been accused of any crimes, and the police have not formally announced that she may be taken into custody.
From Bhargav Acharya’s report
