Speaker of South African parliament accused of taking $135,000 and a wig in bribes

South African parliamentary speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, faces accusations of accepting bribes totaling $135,000 and a wig during her tenure as defence minister.

Although not yet arrested or charged, prosecutors plan to bring corruption charges against her. These allegations, disclosed at a court hearing, cover a period from December 2016 to July 2019, including an instance where she allegedly received over $15,000 and a wig at an airport meeting.

Mapisa-Nqakula denies the charges and has cooperated with investigations, following a search of her home last week. Her legal situation comes amid broader concerns of corruption within the African National Congress party, ahead of critical national elections on May 29.