National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has not been arrested on corruption charges despite media reports suggesting the opposite, according to the Investigating Directorate (ID). This announcement came amidst the buzz of activity at Mapisa-Nqakula’s residence in Johannesburg, where various individuals, including Jared Watson, nephew of the late Bosasa boss Gavin Watson, were seen. However, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has yet to comment on Mapisa-Nqakula’s emergency court appeal to block the use of an arrest warrant against her which she filed shortly after declaring she was taking a leave of absence.
Court files indicate the ID planned to arraign Mapisa-Nqakula on Friday over allegations she had accepted R2.3 million in bribes during her tenure as defence minister, an accusation she denies. In addition to the flurry of activity at Mapisa-Nqakula’s Johannesburg home, there was a police VIP protection black BMW SUV stationed outside, with a black Audi SUV parked at the entrance of her property.
Mapisa-Nqakula’s son was spotted entering the property, which later welcomed two women in a small Toyota SUV. Inside the compound, there were VIP officials and another woman seen engaging in conversation near the entrance. Jared Watson’s presence may insinuate a continuation of the Watson family’s longstanding support of Mapisa-Nqakula.
The formation of Dyambu Operations, the root of what became Bosasa, took place in Mapisa-Nqakula’s home, according to News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson’s book, Blessed by Bosasa. This included numerous senior figures in the ANC Women’s League, such as former speaker Baleka Mbete, Lindiwe Sisulu, among others who, over the years, claimed not to have received any dividends despite Bosasa’s lucrative government contracts.
The allegations suggest that Watson could have leveraged the notoriety and influence of these women to advance Bosasa’s interests. By the early 2000s, the women were disassociated, and Watson had full reign of the company. Even though Watson allegedly exploited these relationships, the Watson family seems to have preserved strong ties with some of the women, including Mapisa-Nqakula, which may be suggested by Jared Watson’s visit on Friday.
Join Our Newsletter
Get the latest crime news and updates directly to your inbox. [newsletter]
14 Comments
Do you think the investigation was thorough enough to clear Mapisa-Nqakula?
Yes, I believe the investigation was thorough enough to clear Mapisa-Nqakula. The evidence presented was compelling and the process followed standard protocols. Its time to move on and focus on more pressing issues at hand.
Why is there always drama in politics? Can they just do their jobs?
Politics and drama go hand in hand. Its like asking why theres always traffic in a big city. As long as there are power struggles and conflicting agendas, there will always be drama. Its just the nature of the beast.
Wow, can we trust these investigations or are they just covering up?
Can we trust the Investigating Directorates findings? Seems fishy to me. 🤔
I get where youre coming from, but lets not jump to conclusions just yet. The Investigating Directorates have a job to do, and we should give them the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. Trust but verify.
I wonder if theres more to this story than meets the eye.
Do you think the investigation is thorough enough? Or is something fishy going on?
Isnt it suspicious how these high-profile figures always seem to dodge corruption charges?
Could there be a hidden agenda behind the timing of this confirmation?
Hmm, interesting theory. It wouldnt be surprising in todays world. Always good to question the timing of things, right? Who knows whats really going on behind the scenes. Keep digging, you might uncover something juicy!
Is anyone else suspicious about the timing of this confirmation? 🤔
How convenient! Suspicious timing or actual innocence? What do you think?