MK chief whip arrested.
Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK party) chief whip Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi has been bust on fraud charges after allegedly pocketing portions of party employees' salaries meant for "legal fees" linked to party leader Jacob Zuma.
The 46-year-old MP was arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in the Western Cape on Thursday, 28 May 2026, and is expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates Court.
Alleged salary scheme
According to the Hawks, Mokoena-Zondi allegedly recruited four individuals into the party as researchers between August and December 2024.
It's alleged that during their employment, she demanded between 50% and 60% of their salaries, claiming the money was needed to assist with Zuma's legal costs.
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The alleged victims were reportedly forced to hand over the cash while working for the party.
In total, the employees were allegedly defrauded of about R233 317.99.
Hawks confirm arrest
Hawks spokesman Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani confirmed the arrest.
"On Thursday, 28 May 2026, a 46-year-old chief whip of a well-known political party was served with a warrant of arrest in connection with acts of fraud.
"It's 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 it was for the legal cost of the president of the same party. They were forced to pay 50% to 60% of their salaries," she said.
Hani said the suspect allegedly defrauded the complainants of approximately R233 317.99.
Political attention expected
The case is expected to attract major political attention as it involves one of the MK party's senior parliamentary figures.
