MK Party Chief Whip released on R30,000 bail in fraud case

The Chief Whip of the MK Party, Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi, has been released on R30,000 bail by the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court after facing fraud-related charges linked to alleged extortion from party staff.

The 46-year-old Member of Parliament is accused of unlawfully extracting R233,317.99 from four party researchers between August and December 2024.

According to the Hawks’ Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the researchers were allegedly compelled to hand over between 50% and 60% of their monthly salaries under misleading claims.

Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani said the payments were allegedly justified as contributions toward legal expenses for former president and MK Party leader Jacob Zuma.

However, Mokoena-Zondi has disputed the allegations in court documents, stating that the funds were “voluntary contributions” given as a gesture of appreciation for the maintenance of the party’s Nkandla headquarters.

Following her court appearance, she was granted bail and is expected to return to court on June 18, 2026.

MK Party national spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu confirmed awareness of the arrest, reiterating the party’s commitment to “constitutionalism and the rule of law.”

Mokoena-Zondi, appointed Chief Whip in February 2026, replaced Colleen Makhubele. Her arrest adds to ongoing turbulence within the MK Party, which has recently faced internal leadership disputes, structural changes, and several high-profile resignations.