‘Let the law run its course,’ says Ramaphosa on Speaker case

President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa has well-geared independent institutions so we must allow the law to take its course in the case involving Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.

Ramaphosa said the Speaker was cooperating with law enforcement agencies, and that in itself must say something to all of us. Meadville, political parties have called for Mapisa-Nqakula to resign.

[WATCH] ANC President, Comrade Cyril Ramaphosa comments on the Comrade Nosiviwe Mapisa-Ngakula's matter. pic.twitter.com/RSNdpS9LZV

— African National Congress (@MYANC) March 23, 2024

CORRUPTION AND BRIBERY CHARGES AGAINST SPEAKER

Independent Online reported that Mapisa-Nqakula was involved in a stand-off with the National Prosecuting Authority after she went to the Pretoria High Court to seek an order to prevent law enforcement agencies from arresting her.

“They raided her house. She hasn’t been charged yet and she has said that she will take special leave and there is a process that is unfolding,” said Ramaphosa.

He said a process was already underway and there was no turning back. Ramaphosa said the speaker had indicated that she was cooperating with law enforcement agencies.

Mapisa-Nqakula faces corruption charges and bribery involving a defence department service provider.

She has not yet been charged in a court of law after law enforcement agencies had raided her house in Johannesburg. Ramaphosa said the law must be allowed to take its course.

WELL-GEARED INSTITUTIONS – SAYS RAMAPHOSA

“As I have always said, we have processes, we have institutions, we have well-geared and independent institutions and in the end we must rely on those institutions to do their work. When we give them space and the opportunity to do their work then we will be successful,” he said.

“As far as I am concerned, the speaker herself has said that she is cooperating and that in itself must say something to all of us, that we are dealing here with allegations that have been made and the speaker who says she is cooperating,” Ramaphosa added.

The allegations against the speaker stem from the time she was defence minister. This was before she was appointed speaker in 2021. She has previously denied allegations of corruption against her.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY GCINA NTSALUBA 

Maria Michael, Senior Consultant: Energy and Sustainability Services, Grenex Pty Ltd