South African investigators search parliament speaker's home over corruption allegations

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) – An elite South Africa police unit on Tuesday searched the Johannesburg home of the National Assembly speaker over corruption allegations.

Parliament confirmed in a statement that the search is linked to a National Prosecution Authority investigation into alleged corruption reportedly involving Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula's tenure as defense minister.

Mapisa-Nqakula, 67, became speaker in 2021 after serving as defense minister for nearly a decade.

Local media reported three weeks ago that the Investigating Directorate had completed investigations into Mapisa-Nqakula, who is alleged to have taken bribes to issue contracts during her tenure as defense minister, an allegation she denies.

“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,” a statement said.

The statement added that her commitment to serving the public with honor and integrity remains unwavering.

“Corruption poses a significant threat to the principles of democracy and good governance, and fundamentally contradicts everything the Speaker represents. Therefore, she is profoundly disturbed by such allegations,” it said.