More urgency for Mapisa-Nqakula to hand herself to police

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) calls for embattled Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to hand herself to police.

The call comes as the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria struck from the roll Mapisa-Nqakula’s bid to halt her arrest on Tuesday, 2 April.

COURT DISMISSES NOSIVIWE MAPISA-NQAKULA’S APPLICATION

Recently, Mapisa-Nqakula was expected to hand herself to police, instead, she launched an urgent application to interdict her arrest.

She is facing 12 counts of corruption and money laundering after she received R4.5 million in cash bribes from a SANDF contractor.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqukula, allegedly received bribes totalling R4.5-million in hard cash. Someone allegedly paid a cool R2-million bribe in hard cash which was delivered at her house in Bruma, east of Johannesburg, on September 6, 2018.
Who is… pic.twitter.com/wxSK9a9vQR

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In her ruling, Judge Sulet Potterill said the matter was not urgent, and the court could not speculate on an arrest that was yet to happen.

[BREAKING NEWS] The High Court in Pretoria has dismissed Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula's attempt to halt her arrest.

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— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) April 2, 2024

Following the decision, the UDM said they wrote to the Joint Standing Committee on Defence about the allegations in March 2021.

“I was told to take my accusations to the police. I did, and here we are waiting for Mapisa-Nqakula to do the right thing,” UDM leader General Bantu-Holomisa said.

In addition, Holomisa said the former Defence Minister should spare them the business of the no-confidence motion in her tabled by the DA.

“We are busy campaigning; Mapisa-Nqakula must present herself to SAPS. Finish and klaar,” Holomisa said.

Likewise, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has also called for the immediate arrest of Charles Nqakula’s wife.

The red berets said no individual regardless of their position or perceived importance should be above the law.

“We demand that the law enforcement agencies swiftly proceed with the arrest of Mapisa-Nqakula. And ensure that she faces the full consequences of her actions. The EFF will not stand idly by while those entrusted with public office betray the trust of the people and undermine the integrity of our democracy,” the EFF said.

According to Business Day, the Speaker is willing to hand herself over to the police from Wednesday, 3 April to effect her arrest over the allegations levelled against her.

EFF CALLS FOR OPPOSITON TO SUPPORT NO CONFIDENCE MOTION

Meanwhile, Acting Speaker of the National Assembly, Lechesa Tsenoli, has accepted the motion of no confidence in Mapisa-Nqakula. It is not yet clear when the motion will be heard.

The EFF has called on political parties to demonstrate their support for accountability and transparency by supporting the no-confidence motion in the Speaker.

Following confirmation from Parliament, DA Chief Whip Siviwe Gwarube said she wrote to all parties represented in Parliament, including the ANC, to request their support for the motion.

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