Mapisa-Nqakula must come clean - Holomisa

SPEAKER of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula may have had something to hide.

United Democratic Movement (UDM) President Bantu Holomisa told Daily Sun on Wednesday, 20 March, that the police were turned away twice from Mapisa-Nqakula's home.

The first time, they were told she was in France, and the second time, it was claimed that she was in the US.

"The raid was too late. We welcome it, nevertheless. I'm told when the police arrived in the early hours of 19 March 2024, security [guards] at the main gate lied to them and said she was not in the house.

"But police didn't buy the story. Furthermore, after she came back from France police asked her to report to them. They were misled again that she went to the US. They checked at customs's international departures and there was no such a thing of a trip to US," he said.

Holomisa said the next step is for her to appear in court and be charged.

"Her docket was finished a long time ago. But typical of the ANC of wanting to shield their people. Her arrest was delayed. The ANC must advise her to take special leave until her case is finalised," said Holominsa.

"It's an embarrassment for Parliament and South Africa for her to continue as Speaker of the House while facing serious allegations.

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Mapisa-Nqakula is accused of taking bribes totalling R2,3 million.

They were allegedly paid in cash. The bribery allegedly took place when she was the minister of defence.

The Sunday Times reported that Mapisa-Nqakula was named in an affidavit submitted to the Investigative Directorate (ID) by the owner of Umkhombe Marine, Nombasa Ntsodwa-Ndlovu, a company responsible for transporting SANDF cargo during military operations.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesman, Mthunzi Mhaga confirmed the search-and-seizure operation happened at Mapisa-Nqakula's house on Tuesday, 19 March.

"The NPA's ID confirms that a search-and-seizure operation was carried out at the home of the Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula by members of the ID on 19 March 2024 relating to an investigation against her. The NPA's ID won't be making any further comment on the matter," said Mhaga.

The Speaker has since denied the allegations.

Her office confirmed that her house was searched by the ID in connection with bribery allegations, and said she was co-operating with investigators.

Mothapo Molapo said: "In line with this, she has welcomed the investigators into her home and fully co-operated during the extensive search, which lasted over five hours.

"Corruption poses a significant threat to the principles of democracy and good governance and is fundamentally at odds with everything the Speaker represents," Molapo said.

He said Mapisa-Nqakula was deeply disturbed by the allegations.

Back in March 2021, Holomisa wrote to the Joint Standing Committee on Defence about the bribe allegations.

Mapisa-Nqakula told him to report the matter to the police, if he had evidence.

"Indeed, I complied with her instructions. Hence the police, Hawks and the NPA are in her case," said Holomisa.