Zuma, MKP and the 'looted' R70m

MPs wrote to Zuma and Yengeni demanding a forensic investigation into the missing millions

- Lunga Mzangwe

Members of uMkhonto weSizwe's (MK) parliamentary caucus have called on its president, Jacob Zuma, to institute a forensic investigation into R70 million allegedly siphoned from the party.

The Mail & Guardian understands that the MK parliamentary caucus held a meeting last week and resolved to write to Zuma and second deputy president Tony Yengeni about money allegedly looted from its coffers since it joined parliament last year.

According to sources, Parliament approved funding for the party to establish constituency offices for its 58 MPs and five members of the National Council of Provinces.

A senior party member told the M&G that parliament allocates R6.3 million to the party monthly for its constituency offices. “MPs must be attached to an office. Since 2024, we haven't had any constituency offices. Every member of parliament must have an office where people can find them because you represent parliament,” the source said.

“Parliament pays for that because you serve the people. It’s not a party office, it’s a constituency office, and it’s attached to parliament. So every month, parliament gives almost R100 000 to an MP. You must account for that money. Ours has gone over R70 million, and it’s unaccounted for.”

The source said the money was being siphoned through paying exorbitant salaries and costs such as accommodation and security, and through travel agencies.

Another source told the M&G that MPs felt the money had gone missing, prompting a call for a forensic audit.

“There was a caucus meeting last week, Thursday, where MPs called for a forensic audit because they want offices to service their constituencies,” the source said.

“They want a forensic audit to know what has happened to the money that was supposed to give them constituency offices. The reality is that there are no offices.”

The sources added that this was taxpayers' money and people had the right to demand accountability.