Overview
- The Hawks arrested 46-year-old Mmabatho Mokoena‑Zondi after serving a warrant on Thursday and will have her appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on fraud charges.
- Investigators allege that between August and December 2024 she headhunted four researchers and demanded regular payments that totalled about R233,317.99.
- The Hawks say the recruits were forced to surrender 50% to 60% of their salaries under the pretext the money would pay the party leader’s legal fees.
- The MK Party has opened internal disciplinary steps and acknowledged the charges while the Hawks say the probe remains active and further arrests or charges are possible.
- If proven, the case could deepen scrutiny of the MK Party’s hiring practices and shift public and parliamentary focus onto internal accountability and funding tied to Jacob Zuma’s ongoing legal matters.