Mapisa-Nqakula says she's shocked by reports of handing herself over to police

CAPE TOWN - National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula says she’s shocked by reports that she's handed herself over to police for arrest on corruption charges.

She’s called out United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa for spreading untruths and sparking what she called a media frenzy. 

Mapisa-Nqakula has been caught in a reputational storm after her house was raided this week, in light of allegations that she received tender kickbacks during her time as defence minister. 

In her statement from her office, the speaker has lashed out at media houses that claim she's been arrested and due to appear in court. 

Her office says she's at home with her family and has had no interaction with the National Prosecuting Authority's Investigating Directorate since their search and seizure operation on Tuesday. 

Her office has further confirmed a court application challenging the legality of the swoop on her home has been filed.

Mapisa-Nqakula says she's been subjected to a trial by media and is demanding the case docket to prepare her defence. 

She was due to leave for Switzerland on Thursday night to attend the 148th session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly.

Instead, she announced she was taking special leave to deal with the allegations which she says are tarnishing her reputation and her integrity.