The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has officially confirmed that corruption charges against former ANC spokesperson and Cabinet minister Zizi Kodwa will be reinstated, alongside those against businessman Jehan Mackay.
The decision follows a formal review by the office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), overturning the earlier withdrawal of charges and placing the high-profile case back on track.
At the centre of the case are allegations that Kodwa received kickbacks amounting to approximately R1.6 million from Mackay, a former executive at technology firm EOH, between 2015 and 2016.
Prosecutors allege that the payments — including luxury accommodation — were intended to influence the awarding of lucrative government contracts.
The matter was initially enrolled in June 2024, but took a controversial turn in November 2024 when the South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andrew Chauke, withdrew the charges.
That decision sparked concern among investigators, prompting the Hawks to successfully request a review by then NDPP Advocate Shamila Batohi.
In one of her final decisions before leaving office, Batohi overturned the withdrawal and directed that the matter be reinstated.
According to the NPA, Kodwa and Mackay’s legal representatives were formally notified of this decision in a letter dated 29 January 2026.
NPA spokesperson Abram Mohlatlole said the authority was compelled to respond to claims suggesting that information about the reinstatement had been leaked before the accused were informed.
“The NPA would like to set the record straight,” the statement read.
The authority confirmed that letters were sent to the legal representatives of both Kodwa and Mackay, informing them that the decision to withdraw charges had been set aside and that prosecution would proceed.
The NPA further rejected any claims of a leak, stating that such allegations are “devoid of any truth”.
National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi also assured the public that no leaks would be tolerated.
The Special Commercial Crime Unit is currently finalising logistical arrangements to re-enrol the matter in court.
The development reignites a long-standing legal battle that continues to cast a shadow over Kodwa’s political career.