Zizi Kodwa Describes NPA’s Plan to Reinstate Corruption Charges Against Him As Malicious
- The National Prosecuting Authority has taken a decision regarding the corruption charges against Zizi Kodwa and businessman Jehan Mackay
- Kodwa, the former South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, was originally arrested in June 2024 on charges of corruption and bribery
- The former African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson weighed in on the decision, which was reportedly made by Advocate Shamila Batohi
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) intends to reinstate graft charges against former African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson, Zizi Kodwa.
Kodwa, the former South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, was arrested in June 2024 on charges of corruption and bribery. He was arrested following recommendations from the Zondo Commission’s inquiry into State Capture.
Kodwa was accused of accepting approximately R1.6 million in kickbacks from businessman Jehan Mackay. Charges against Mackay will also be reinstated. The National Director of Public Prosecution announced in November 2024 that the case against the duo had been dropped.
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NPA to recharge Kodwa and Mackay
According to the Daily Sun, the NPA plans to recharge Kodwa and Mackay, who was a former EOH Holdings executive.
The decision was reportedly taken by former National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi, two days before she vacated office. Advocate Batohi’s tenure as NPA head ended on 31 January 2025.
Sources close to Kodwa told the Daily Sun that the former minister viewed the decision to charge him for corruption again as ‘malicious’.
"Comrade Zizi is aggrieved by Batohi's decision and has vowed to challenge it even if it means going to the apex court in the country," one source said.
Kodwa himself spoke to the publication, saying he was aware of the instruction.
"I'm aware. It's malicious, especially when the decision was taken apparently two days before she left office. But I have not been officially informed, even my lawyers have not received any formal notification about that matter," he stated.
How did South Africans react?
Social media users weighed in on the NPA’s decision and Kodwa’s reaction to it, sharing differing reactions to the former minister’s criticism.
Aaron Thosman Mavuso said:
“Nobody is above the law.”
Themba Manqele stated:
“The step aside rule was applied selectively. Zizi was sworn in at Parliament after his first appearance at court.”
Magave Mokgoatjane suggested:
“He might have wronged the ANC leadership by seeking a higher position.”
Mike Mike noted:
“The NPA seems to be muscling up. The burden now is on the judiciary.”
Wilrich Dutch Louw added:
“If you know that you are innocent, then don't stress. Just relax and focus on your mental well-being.”
Kodwa's arrest pleases the DA
In a related article, Briefly News reported that the Democratic Alliance was happy the former Sports, Arts, and Culture minister was arrested.
The party expressed how happy they were that Kodwa would be prosecuted for the charges against him.
South Africans took to social media to share their thoughts about the situation, sharing mixed reactions to it.
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Source: Briefly News
