Police have arrested the uMkhonto weSizwe Party’s National Assembly Chief Whip, Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi, in the Western Cape on fraud charges linked to an alleged salary deduction scheme that is said to have siphoned more than R233 000 from party recruits.
The arrest was affected on Thursday, May 28, when Mokoena-Zondi was served with a warrant of arrest by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani confirmed the arrest, stating that the case relates to alleged fraudulent conduct linked to internal party recruitment activities.
“The suspect is to make her first appearance in the Cape Magistrate’s Court, today, 28 May 2026,” said Hani.
According to the Hawks, the alleged fraud occurred between August and December 2024, when the suspect recruited four individuals into the political party as researchers.
It is alleged that shortly after their appointment, the recruits were instructed to pay over portions of their salaries under the pretext that the money was required to cover legal costs linked to the party president.
The victims were allegedly forced to surrender between 50% and 60% of their monthly salaries, resulting in a total loss of approximately R233 317.99.
The MK Party has since confirmed the arrest of its Chief Whip, saying she had voluntarily presented herself to law enforcement authorities.
“The 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,” said party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu.
He added that the party remains committed to constitutionalism and is assessing the matter.
“The MK Party reaffirms its commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law. The Party is currently studying the situation and will release an official statement at 15h00 this afternoon,” Mahlangu said.
The Star
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