Former Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa Resigns With Immediate Effect and Appears In Court for Corruption
Beleaguered South African Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has had a week to forget after making a court appearance at Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday, the 5th of June 2024 and also tending in his resignation from his ministerial position with immediate effect.
Kodwa, alongside his accomplice Jehan Mckay, appeared in court for charges of corruption brought against them amounting to R1.7 million; however, Zizi and Mckay were let off the hook for the time being on bail, which was granted to them at a hefty R30,000 each.
According to a statement released by the Hawks, the arrest of Kodwa AND Mckay was spurred by the findings of the State Capture Commission, as was chaired by Raymond Zondo, coupled with ongoing investigations regarding the misuse of state-owned entities for personal benefit. The statement issued said that the pair turned themselves over at Bramley Police Station on the 4th of June 2024.
Jehan Mckay and Zizi Kodwa (from left to right) | SUPPLIED
“Two accused, Jehan Mckay (47) and Zizi Kodwa (54) were subsequently granted bail by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Palm Ridge Magistrates court after they handed themselves over at Bramley Police Station to the members of the Hawks’ multi-disciplinary State Capture Task Team resorting in Serious Corruption Investigation environment, after warrants of arrest were issued on 4 June 2024.
“The arrest of the pair was as a result of an ongoing investigation into corruption at state owned entities, and following recommendations by the Zondo Commission on State Capture. The two are to face charges relating to the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act as well as Prevention of Organized Crime Act.” said the Hawks via a statement regarding the arrest of Zizi Kodwa and Jehan Mckay.
The statement gave further details regarding the findings concerning the clandestine dealings between Mckay and Kodwa, which resulted in Zizi Kodwa being ingratiated with close to R2 million, which were subsequently spent on luxury motor vehicles and for the payment of posh residences.
“Investigation revealed that during the period from 28 April 2015 to 2 February 2018, Mckay, then an executive on behalf of EOH enticed his Kodwa to gratification amounting to R1 710 000 for his personal benefit. The monies are reported to have been utilised for the purchasing of a luxury SUV and payment of luxury accommodation for Kodwa. The accused have appeared in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes court and were granted R30 000 each.” said the statement.
The case has been remanded to the 23rd of July 2024.