National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has filed an urgent application against the state in an attempt to prevent her imminent arrest.
Her attorney, Stephen May, has confirmed this development and stated that they are currently waiting for the state’s representatives to respond and inform them of their position.
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At this stage, the urgent application has been served on the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Investigating Directorate. Among the relief sought in the application is an interim interdict on any arrests of Mapisa-Nqakula, as well as the disclosure of the state docket.
This is to enable the analysis of the case against her, as every indication so far, unfortunately mostly through media reports, suggests that there is no valid case for her to answer.
It has been reported that Mapisa-Nqakula voluntarily handed herself over to the police at the Central Police Station in Pretoria. It is anticipated that she will appear before the Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria.
The allegations she faces involve corruption, specifically the receipt of over R2 million in tender bribes from a contractor to the South African National Defence Force during her tenure as Minister of Defence.
Earlier this week, the NPA’s Investigating Directorate conducted a raid on Mapisa-Nqakula’s Johannesburg home as part of their ongoing investigation.
The arrest of the National Assembly Speaker has raised concerns and sparked reactions from various quarters. The Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC) has expressed its dismay, stating that it is an embarrassment for such a high-profile position in the country.
Lawson Naidoo, from CASAC, emphasized that the integrity of Parliament should be upheld and suggested that the Speaker should resign to maintain the institution’s integrity.
Political parties have also called for a thorough investigation and for Mapisa-Nqakula to step down from her position.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) parliamentary chief whip, Siviwe Gwarube, stated that it is evident that the Speaker must resign to preserve public trust in Parliament.
Similarly, Pieter Groenewald, the leader of the Freedom Front Plus, highlighted that the Speaker has failed to be a symbol of integrity and should step aside until the investigation is completed.
Given the seriousness of the allegations and the impact on the integrity of the National Assembly, it is crucial that a thorough investigation takes place. The legal process should be allowed to unfold, ensuring that all parties involved have an opportunity to present their cases and that justice is served.
In the meantime, it is important for the National Assembly to maintain its credibility and public trust.
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If Mapisa-Nqakula is found guilty, appropriate action should be taken. However, until then, it is essential that the legislative arm of the government continues to fulfil its duties effectively and efficiently.
As the legal proceedings progress, it is hoped that the truth will emerge and that the appropriate measures will be taken to address any wrongdoing. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the country’s political landscape and the perception of its leaders.
