South Africa’s National Assembly speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, is expected to turn herself in on Friday over an allegation of corruption during her time as defence minister.

However, the speaker said there was no formal notification of an arrest warrant or communication regarding her imminent arrest.

South Africa’s state-owned broadcaster SABC reported that Ms Mapisa-Nqakula was suspected of receiving millions of rand in cash as bribes from a former military contractor when she was defence minister.

It was reported that an investigation had been instituted against the speaker over the allegation.

Investigators raided Ms Mapisa-Nqakula’s home earlier on Tuesday as part of the corruption inquiry but did not provide further details on the investigation or the corruption allegations.

The speaker, however, expressed her readiness to comply and cooperate with the police if invited.

Ms Mapisa-Nqakula, defence minister from 2012 to 2021, denied wrongdoing.

“Given the seriousness of the allegations and the attendant extensive media speculation, I have decided to take special leave from my position as Speaker of the National Assembly, effective immediately,” Ms Mapisa-Nqakula said in a statement.

She, however, denied any formal notification of an arrest warrant or communication regarding her imminent arrest.

“My lawyers have, however, proactively informed the National Prosecution Authority of my readiness to comply and cooperate should the need arise,” she said.

(Reuters/NAN)