Yakhe Kwinana: “Prison Is Not Good For My Health”

Former SAA board member Yakhe Kwinana has dismissed the extortion and property damage charges against her as “frivolous”, arguing in the East London Magistrate’s Court that her health is at risk behind bars.

Kwinana, 61, was arrested in Johannesburg last week and is currently applying for R20,000 bail after allegations surfaced that she used armed security personnel and heavy machinery to demolish tenants’ homes on land she claims to own.

Yakhe Kwinana Denies Extortion Claims

The state has accused Kwinana of extorting tenants in Bhongweni Village who failed to pay rent, malicious damage to property, theft, and pointing a firearm.

The case was postponed on Monday as prosecutors sought more time to assess additional potential charges before opposing her bail.

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On Tuesday, Kwinana told the court: “These are frivolous charges, and I will prove beyond reasonable doubt that they are frivolous.”

She insisted that her actions were lawful, claiming the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) failed to investigate crucial evidence, including an eviction order authorising demolitions.

“Had the NPA investigated the extortion, they would have understood that there was an agreement with my tenants that they are going to pay, and, in fact, they did pay,” she argued.

She also said she has witnesses to prove that tenants had agreed to pay rent.

Pending Fraud Case from SAA Days

Kwinana admitted to having a pending case in the Palm Ridge Commercial Crimes Court, linked to her time at South African Airways (SAA).

She faces charges for failing to disclose a conflict of interest with auditing firms PwC and Nkonki, which were responsible for auditing SAA’s finances.

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The former SAA board member said the allegations have severely damaged her reputation and put her life at risk.

“To be called an extortionist in this day and age also poses a risk to my life. People may believe I am an extortionist, and I may even be killed because of this label.”

Kwinana maintains she is not guilty and is awaiting a decision on her bail application.

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