Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi, the chief whip of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, has been released on R30 000 bail after appearing in the Cape Magistrate’s Court on fraud charges.The case has since been moved to the Bellville Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, with her next appearance scheduled for 18 June.

According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), the allegations relate to events between August and December 2024, during which Mokoena-Zondi allegedly recruited four individuals as parliamentary researchers for the MK Party.

It is further alleged that she then demanded between 50% and 60% of their salaries, claiming the money was intended for the party president’s legal expenses.The total amount reportedly taken from victims is estimated at around R233 317.99.Reports indicate that some employees were forced to make repeated payments, including cash transfers and bank deposits.

One employee allegedly paid multiple amounts over several months, while another was threatened with dismissal if they refused to comply with the salary deductions.

Internal party documents reportedly show that a disciplinary panel previously found her guilty of extortion and recommended her dismissal, although the party did not act on this recommendation.Despite these findings, Mokoena-Zondi has denied all allegations, describing them as rumours and insisting that internal hearings had cleared her.She also claimed she was unaware that legal representation was required during disciplinary proceedings.

The case continues to draw attention due to claims that the alleged misconduct occurred within parliamentary employment structures and involved misuse of political authority over staff members.The matter will proceed in the specialised commercial crimes court later in June.