South African parliament speaker may be arrested after court bid fails
Cape Town, April 3 (IANS) The South African High Court dismissed an urgent application by National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to interdict a possible arrest on corruption charges. The ruling allows for her potential arrest, posing a setback for the African National Congress (ANC) ahead of the 2024 elections.
Mapisa-Nqakula sought to prevent the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) from arresting her on corruption charges. She had taken “special leave” after allegations of soliciting a cash bribe during her tenure as minister of defense.
The court ruling was issued by Judge Sulet Potterill, who expressed concerns that granting the order would open “floodgates” for suspects to seek court appearances to avoid arrest. The NPA declined to comment on the timing of a potential arrest following the ruling.
Opposition parties have called for Mapisa-Nqakula to step down, urging the ANC to take action. In response, the ANC national spokesperson stated that the party will enforce its step-aside policy to preserve integrity and respect the country’s laws.