Speaker Mapisa-Nqakula says jail would threaten her health and life as a senior citizen
National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said throwing her into a jail cell would be a threat to her health and life as a senior citizen.
Earlier on Friday anticipation spread after media reports suggested she would hand herself over to police following corruption and money laundering allegations.
The speaker is accused of soliciting bribes amounting to R2.3 million during her time as Defence Minister in 2021.
In her urgent court bid to interdict her arrest, Mapisa-Nqakula said her dignity and reputation is being attacked.
Political parties have reacted to corruption allegations levelled against her.
The Democratic Alliance tabled a motion of no confidence against her while the African National Congress said it will wait for more facts to prevail before taking action against her.
In her court application to prevent her imminent arrest – the speaker said that the execution of what she says was an invalid raid at her home will severely affect the fairness of her trial.
“The ultimate purpose of this application is to protect my constitutional right inter- alia to freedom, and dignity, including my rights to good name and reputation and self-esteem as well as to pursue a vocation of my choosing.”
She believes the case against her is weak and attempts to get her behind bars aren’t backed by sufficient evidence.
Meanwhile, Mapisa-Nqakula will remain on special leave pending her legal battle with various law enforcement agencies.
-EWN
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