The speaker of South Africa’s parliament is in police grips amid an ongoing corruption investigation against her.
67-year old Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula handed herself over to the Pretoria Central Police on Friday morning and is expected to appear in court later today.
It follows her decision to take a special leave due to the “seriousness of allegation” levelled against her.
She is accused of soliciting bribes in return for awarding contracts when she served as defence minister.
The Sunday Times newspaper that the veteran politician received at least $120,000 in bribes from a defense contractor between 2016 and 2019. The money was allegedly delivered to her in cash in gift bags.
It is unclear whether or not she is under arrest.
Local media reports that she has filed urgent papers to block authorities from detaining her.
State broadcaster SABC also reports that Ms Mapisa-Nqakula has requested to hand over her speaker docket.
Raid
Earlier this week, Ms Mapisa-Nqakula’s Johannesburg home was raided by an elite police unit, who conducted a five-hour search.
Reports say they seized evidence from the residence of the veteran lawmaker with the ruling African National Congress party.
In a statement, the Speaker denied any wrongdoing and “reaffirms she has nothing to hide”.
The opposition Democratic Alliance party has called on her to step down because “she cannot be entrusted with this high office
