COPE gun for Mapisa-Nqakula resignation after R2.3m bribe scandal

The Congress of the People (COPE) has called on the speaker of the national assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to resign with immediate effect.

According to COPE’s acting secretary general, Erick Mohlapamaswi, the call follows corruption allegations against Mapisa-Nqakula and the search at her residence by the Investigative Directorate (ID) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

“This latest development means that the matter has reached serious proportions,” added Mohlapamaswi.

COPE has also stated that the speaker’s failure to resign voluntarily will force them to table a motion of no confidence in her within a week, reasoning that the parliament cannot be led by a person who “lacks integrity”.

Mapisa-Nqakula is linked to alleged corruption during her nine-year tenure as a defence and military veterans minister. The accusation by the NPA is that the 67-year-old solicited bribes in return for awarding military contracts.

One prominent entrepreneur in the defence industry alleged she paid approximately R2 million in bribes to the ex-minister.

NPA’s ID confirmed the search and seizure operation at the home of Mapisa-Nqakula today.

Parliament’s spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said the raid was linked to the agency’s widely publicised investigation into alleged corruption involving Mapisa-Nqakula.

“The speaker steadfastly upholds her strong conviction of innocence and reaffirms that she has nothing to hide,” added Mothapo.

The five-hour raid prevented Mapisa-Nqakula from presiding over President Cyril Ramaphosa’s question and answer session in the National Assembly today.