In a dramatic development just two months before national elections, the house of South Africa’s National Assembly speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, was raided by investigators on Tuesday as part of a corruption probe.
The raid adds to the mounting pressure on the ruling African National Congress (ANC) already facing accusations of corruption and mismanagement.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that a team conducted a “search and seizure operation” at Mapisa-Nqakula’s residence.
Local media reports allege the veteran politician solicited bribes from a former military contractor during her time as defense minister, a position she held from 2014 to 2021.
Mapisa-Nqakula denies any wrongdoing and cooperated with the search.
The raid has sparked outrage, with the leading opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), calling for her resignation.
They argue her continued presence undermines the integrity of parliament.
Mapisa-Nqakula is the latest in a string of high-ranking ANC officials caught up in graft scandals, further eroding public trust in the party.
The raid comes as South Africa prepares for national and provincial elections on May 29th.
The ANC, in power since the end of apartheid in 1994, is expected to see its support fall below 50% for the first time.
This could force them to form a coalition government, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.
