The Chief Whip of the MK Party, Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi, has been granted R30,000 bail by the Cape Town Magistrates Court following her arrest on fraud charges .
The 46-year-old MP is accused of extorting a total of R233,317.99 from four party researchers between August and December 2024 . According to the Hawks’ Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the victims were allegedly forced to surrender between 50% and 60% of their monthly salaries under false pretenses .
“During their employment, she demanded payments under the pretext that it was for the legal cost of the president of the same party Jacob Zuma” said Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, referring to former president and MK Party leader Jacob Zuma .
However, in court documents filed by her legal team, Mokoena-Zondi offered a different version of events. She described the R233,000 collected as “voluntary contributions” meant as a “gesture of appreciation” for the upkeep of the party’s Nkandla headquarters .
Following her court appearance, Mokoena-Zondi was released on bail. Her matter is set to return to court on June 18, 2026.
The party’s national spokesperson, Sifiso Mahlangu, acknowledged the arrest in a brief statement, reaffirming the party’s “commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law” .
Mokoena-Zondi, who was appointed as Chief Whip in February 2026, succeeded Colleen Makhubele . Her arrest marks the latest high-profile controversy to rock the MK Party, which has faced internal turmoil in recent months, including the dissolution of leadership structures and mass resignations .
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