MK Party Chief Whip Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi Arrested On Fraud And Extortion Charges

The chief whip of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, Mmabatho Nthabiseng Mokoena-Zondi, has been arrested in Cape Town on allegations linked to fraud and extortion involving parliamentary staff members.

Mokoena-Zondi was taken into custody on Thursday and is expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court. The charges stem from claims that parliamentary employees were allegedly pressured to hand over large portions of their salaries.

Police say the alleged incidents took place between August and December 2024.

MK Party Chief Whip Accused Of Taking Staff Salaries

According to Western Cape police spokesperson Zinzi Hani, Mokoena-Zondi allegedly recruited four people into the party as researchers before demanding regular payments from them.

“It is alleged that during August 2024 to December 2024, the suspect headhunted and recruited four individuals into the party as researchers, and during their employment, she demanded payments under the pretext that it was for the legal cost of the president of the same party.”

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Police claim the workers were instructed to surrender a significant share of their earnings to keep their positions within the party structure.

“They were forced to pay 50 to 60% of their salaries. In total, the suspect defrauded the members of approximately R233 317.99,” said Hani.

Fraud And Extortion Case Rocks MK Party Leadership

The arrest has placed further attention on the leadership of the MK Party, which has remained under public scrutiny since entering Parliament.

Authorities confirmed that the matter is being investigated as a case of fraud and extortion. Mokoena-Zondi is expected to formally face the charges when she appears in court later on Thursday.

No further details regarding possible additional suspects or arrests have been released at this stage.

Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi Replaced Colleen Makhubele Earlier This Year

Mokoena-Zondi was appointed as the MK Party’s chief whip in February after replacing Colleen Makhubele in the position.

Her arrest comes less than a year after the party secured representation in Parliament following South Africa’s national elections.

Police investigations into the matter are continuing.