Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has staunchly defended deputy president Kenny Kunene, declaring his innocence and stressing the need for a transparent investigation. Kunene faces a one-month suspension from the party after he was found at the Sandton home of Katiso "KT" Molefe during a police raid on 21 July 2025. Molefe is accused of orchestrating the 2022 murder of musician Oupa Sefoka, known as DJ Sumbody.
Kunene, who also serves as Johannesburg’s MMC for Transport, has been temporarily relieved of his municipal duties and party activities pending a 30-day inquiry by an independent panel of lawyers. McKenzie, reflecting on their long-standing friendship and roles as PA co-founders, described the suspension as a difficult but essential measure, stating, "No one is above the party." Kunene explained he was at Molefe’s residence to assist a young journalist from his media platform, Africa News Global, during an interview. He called the situation "being in the wrong place at the wrong time for the right reasons" and denied any prior connection with Molefe, adding that police confirmed he had no contact details for the suspect.
Johannesburg’s Democratic Alliance (DA) caucus leader, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, dismissed Kunene’s explanation as "absurd" and demanded his permanent removal as MMC. "Johannesburg deserves leaders untainted by criminal associations," she said, urging Mayor Dada Morero to act decisively.
Public reaction on social media is divided, with some questioning the impartiality of the PA’s investigation given McKenzie’s firm support for Kunene. The party insists the inquiry will be rigorous, with results to be shared publicly, as the controversy fuels ongoing debates about political accountability in South Africa.
