The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has formally withdrawn charges of corruption against former Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa and businessman Jehan Mackay.
Story Summary:
- The NPA withdrew corruption charges against former Minister Zizi Kodwa and businessman Jehan Mackay.
- The charges related to alleged bribes of R1.6 million for procurement influence.
- New evidence and successful defence representations led to the case being withdrawn.
Zizi Kodwa corruption case withdrawn
The decision, announced by the Director of Public Prosecutions in Gauteng, Advocate Andrew Chauke, comes after an extensive review of new evidence and representations made by the accused.
Kodwa and Mackay faced accusations under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, based on allegations that from April 2015 to February 2016, Mackay provided luxury accommodation and financial benefits totalling R1.6 million to Kodwa in exchange for favourable government procurement interventions.
The NPA noted that the withdrawal follows thorough consideration of submissions from Kodwa and Mackay.
The defence presented compelling representations that, alongside a review of the case docket and insights from the prosecuting team, ultimately led to the conclusion that the likelihood of securing a conviction had diminished.
The NPA cited Part 6 of its Prosecution Policy, which permits an accused to challenge prosecution by presenting their side of the case, a process designed to uphold justice without fear or prejudice.
Kodwa’s legal troubles stemmed from allegations raised during the Zondo Commission’s inquiry into state capture.
The former ANC spokesperson was accused of accepting R1.6 million in bribes from Mackay, an ex-director at EOH Holdings, reportedly to influence procurement decisions on EOH’s behalf in government contracts.
Testimonies and financial paper trails at the commission highlighted transactions that funded luxury stays and personal expenses for Kodwa, but he consistently denied the allegations, asserting that he had merely received financial assistance.
The NPA’s decision to drop the charges marks the end of an investigation into high-level allegations that emerged amid broader state capture inquiries.
Kodwa resigned from his ministerial position earlier this year, stating his intent to address the charges directly, which he insisted were unfounded.
