South Africa’s parliament speaker resigns over accusations of bribery

South Africa’s parliament speaker resigned on Wednesday and relinquished her seat in the legislature over allegations of corruption, a day after she lost a bid in court that would block her arrest. Prosecutors last week said they intend to charge Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula with corruption, accusing her of receiving about $135 000 in bribes from a defense contractor during her three years as defense minister. “My resignation is in no way an indication or admission of guilt regarding the allegations being levelled against me.”