Corruption allegations lead to suspension of MK Party Chief Whip Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi
Corruption allegations lead to suspension of MK Party Chief Whip Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi.
Image: Parliament
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has swiftly suspended Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi amid serious corruption allegations, pending an internal investigation.
Currently out on R30,000 bail, Mokoena-Zondi faces accusations of extorting funds from her party’s parliamentary staff.
She was appointed as the MK Party's National Assembly Chief Whip just a few months ago in February 2026.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said President Jacob Zuma met with national officials and approved a series of decisions relating to the matter.
Mahlangu added that Mokoena-Zondi's party membership has been suspended with immediate effect pending the outcome of the investigation.
The MK Party further instructed Mokoena-Zondi to surrender all party documents, records, assets and any other materials in her possession that are related to party activities.
As part of the leadership changes announced, Mahlangu confirmed the appointment of Philasande Mkhize as Chief Whip with immediate effect.
Mahlangu also clarified the role of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, stating that she does not hold any official position or responsibility within the MK Party.
The statement emphasised that Zuma-Sambudla remains an ordinary party member and does not exercise authority on behalf of the organisation.
The MK Party said the measures were taken following discussions between party leadership and national officials and form part of the party's internal governance processes.
Earlier, after Mokoena-Zondi's court appearance, Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani said: “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 costs of the President (Jacob Zuma) of the same party.”
Hani said they were allegedly forced to pay 50% to 60% of their salaries.
“In total, the suspect defrauded the members of approximately R233,317.99.”