MK Party suspends chief whip Mmabatho Mokoena‑Zondi amid corruption probe

The MK Party has suspended its chief whip, Mmabatho Mokoena‑Zondi, with immediate effect pending the outcome of an internal investigation, the party announced on 2 June 2026.

Suspension follows party meeting

The party said Mokoena‑Zondi’s suspension followed a meeting between MK Party president Jacob Zuma and national party officials. She was instructed to hand over all party documents, records, assets and any other party‑related materials in her possession with immediate effect.

Arrest, charges and bail

Mokoena‑Zondi was arrested on 28 May 2026 and appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on charges of fraud and extortion. She was released on R30,000 bail, and the matter was postponed to 18 June.

Allegations

According to Zinzi Hani, a Western Cape police spokesperson, it is alleged that Mokoena‑Zondi demanded a portion of the salaries of the party’s parliamentary staff each month for them to remain in their positions.

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

Responses and party changes

Media reports say Mokoena‑Zondi told the court in an affidavit that the money collected from staff was a “voluntary contribution” intended as a “gesture of appreciation” for the upkeep of the party’s Nkandla headquarters.

The MK Party has appointed Philasande Mkhize as Chief Whip, effective immediately. Mokoena‑Zondi had replaced Colleen Makhubele as the party’s chief whip in February.

On other party matters

The MK Party also issued a statement saying Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla is an ordinary party member and holds no official position or responsibility within the party, and does not exercise authority on behalf of the party.

Investigation and legal processes are ongoing.