DA Chief Whip against ‘squashing’ of Mapisa-Nqakula probe by Parliament

DA Chief Whip against ‘squashing’ of Mapisa-Nqakula probe by Parliament

The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it doesn’t agree with Parliament’s decision to stop an investigation against the former Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, even though it says there was a finding of a prima facie case to be answered for.

The party says Mapisa-Nqakula, who is out on R50,000 bail for corruption and money laundering charges, should answer for her alleged involvement in effecting the salary increase of Secretary to Parliament Xolile George last year.

‘MAPISA-NQAKULA SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE’ – GWARUBE

“The fact that Ms Mapisa-Nqakula resigned before she could be held accountable neither absolves her – and by extension the Executive Authority of Parliament – nor does it get to the bottom of the alleged irregular hiking of Mr George’s salary,” said Siviwe Gwarube, the DA Chief Whip.

“It’s deeply unfortunate that the Powers and Privileges committee, particularly the ANC members, in that committee essential sought to squash the investigation and end the matter there,” she added according to SABC News.

Gwarube said lawyers appointed by Parliament found that Mapisa-Nqakula and the chairperson of the NCOP had the case to answer for the 70% hike of the secretary to Parliament, Mr Xolile George.

‘PRIMA FACIE CASE TO BE ANSWERED FOR,’ SAYS ADV PILLAY

Parliament’s Powers and Privileges Committee’s, Adv Karrisha Pillay SC, recommended that the former Speaker be investigated for contempt of Parliament for allegedly irregularly hiking the salary of the Secretary by nearly 70% shortly after his appointment.

“After considering Ms Mapisa-Nqakula’s response, Adv Pillay found on 25 March, a week before the former Speaker’s resignation that there is a prima facie case that warrants the Committee’s investigation and a subsequent hearing,” the DA said recently.

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