THE Speaker of the National Assembly is shocked by the media reports of her arrest and raises serious concerns about the continued trial-by-media tactics which made rounds.
On Friday, 22 March, Mzansi woke to a media frenzy after there were reports that Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula had been arrested or handed herself to the police.
Mapisa-Nqakula is accused of taking bribes totalling R2,3 million, which dates back to her time as the defence minister.
According to Mapisa-Nqakula’s adviser, Mike Ramagoma, the reports are false.
“We can certify that the Speaker and her family are at home, and she has had no involvement with the NPA ID since the Search and Seizure operation at her residence on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. We can also reveal that the Speaker filed papers in court this morning [Friday, 22 March], challenging both the process in which the search and seizure warrant was obtained and the operation itself,” he said.
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Ramogoma added that Mapisa-Nqakula also wants, within her rights, complete disclosure of all material information relating to the case, including the whole docket, so that she can prepare her defence against what she considers to be unfounded charges against her.
“The Speaker requests that the NPA furnish her with the specifics of the case against her, as these appear to have already been leaked to the media, putting her to a media trial with no means of defending herself against these public claims,” he said.
Ramagoma said Mapisa-Nqakula remains on Special Leave from her official duties as she prepares to defend herself against these claims.
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