By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), acting on behalf of the National Prosecuting Authoritys (NPA’s) Investigative Directorate (ID), confirmed the raid at the home of National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The probe is linked to alleged corruption during her tenure as minister of defence and military veterans.
A well-known defence industry businesswoman claims she paid bribes totalling some R2 million to Mapisa-Nqakula during her time as minister.
“The National Prosecuting Authority’s ID confirms that a search and seizure operation was carried out at the home of Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula by members of the ID on 19 March 2024 relating to an investigation against her,” said NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga.
“The NPA’s ID will not be making any further comment on the matter,” he said in a statement.
Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo on Tuesday said they were aware of the raid.
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.
“The Speaker’s commitment to serving the public with honour and integrity remains unwavering,” Mothapo said.
“This morning’s events have inevitably interrupted the Speaker’s Parliamentary diary, including her role in presiding over President Cyril Ramaphosa’s question and answer session in the National Assembly, added Mothapo.
The session was chaired by House chairperson Cedric Frolick.
The accusations against Mapisa-Nqakula were made in a sworn affidavit submitted to the Investigative Directorate by Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, the owner of Umkhombe Marine.
The freight and logistics company reportedly scored R210 million in SANDF tenders in 2019, while the businesswoman was married to the military health services’ deputy surgeon-general, Noel Ndhlovu.
Umkhombe Marine transported SANDF cargo across the continent to military missions.
Meanwhile president Cyril Ramaphosa avoided the question on the raid at Mapisa-Nqakula’s home when he was responding to questions on lifestyle audits for members of Cabinet.
He admitted that it has taken time for the process to be concluded.
When asked about members of the Executive who are found to be involved in corruption, he said the law must take its course.
“Any member of the executive who will have been found to have mismanaged the funds of the State must face the consequences. That has to be the case. Those who participate in activities that go against the ethics that are required, must face consequences and that is something I am clear on,” said Ramaphosa.
The president also said they will now implement lifestyle audits on ministers.
The process may have taken long, but it was finally being implemented. It will be led by Director-General in the Presidency Phindile Baleni.