The party has confirmed the arrest of its Chief Whip, Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi, who is accused in a Hawks probe into alleged salary-related fraud totalling about R233,000.
Image: MK Party
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) says it has acknowledged the arrest of its Chief Whip, Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi, and will issue a statement later today.
The party's chief whip was nabbed by the Hawks on allegations of a R233,000 salary fraud scheme.
The 46-year-old was served with a warrant of arrest on Thursday and is expected to line up in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court.
MK Party national spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said: “The uMkhonto weSizwe Party ("MK Party") acknowledges the charging of its Chief Whip in the National Assembly, Ms. Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi, and notes that she has voluntarily presented herself to law-enforcement authorities.
“The MK Party reaffirms its commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law."
The party said it is currently studying the situation and will release an official statement at 3 pm on Thursday.
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani said, “It is alleged that during August 2024 to December 2024, the suspect head hunted and recruited four individuals into the party as researchers, and during their employment, she demanded payments under the pretext it was for the legal cost of the President (Jacob Zuma) of the same party.”
Hani said they were forced to pay 50% to 60% of their salaries.
“In total, the suspect defrauded the members of approximately R233,317.99.”
Mokoena-Zondi was appointed as a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly in February 2026.
She was appointed as the party’s Chief Whip, replacing Colleen Makhubele, who was removed in January.
Makhubele has since left the MK Party to join talk radio station Power FM as a presenter.
Mokoena-Zondi, who previously served as NCOP chief whip, had been appointed acting chief whip to oversee caucus governance and liaise with the Speaker’s office.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL Politics