Latest news with #PatrioticAlliance
The South African
6 hours ago
- Politics
- The South African
Malema dismisses Kunene's defence over Molefe as ‘pure lie'
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has rubbished claims by Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy leader Kenny Kunene, saying his explanation for being at the home of murder suspect Katiso 'KT' Molefe is a 'pure lie.' Speaking during a press briefing in Cape Town on Thursday ahead of the EFF's 12th anniversary, Malema dismissed Kunene's version of events, including his claim that he didn't know Molefe, the businessman accused of involvement in DJ Sumbody's killing. Malema said Kenny Kunene's version of events did not make sense. 'Kenny's story is not coming together,' he said. 'It's a pure lie. And that's how thugs 26, 28 gangs succeed. They lie, they think they can outsmart everyone. They are just lying and they don't care whether you are convinced or not.' Malema questioned Kunene's claim that he took a journalist to Molefe's house for an interview. He found it suspicious and unprofessional that an official would involve a journalist in a meeting with someone facing serious charges. 'Taking a journalist is not a secret operation. Who's that journalist? Why would you take a journalist to someone who just came out of prison, who's on bail, as an MMC?' Malema asked. He said he felt vindicated when he first heard that police had caught Kunene at Molefe's home. 'I'm very happy, you know. I danced even at night. Things are looking good. We told you these people are criminals. They are nothing else but mapantinti,' he said, using a slang term referring to criminals. Malema confirmed he knew Molefe, but only as a public figure, not personally. 'I know that guy. Not from a personal point of view. He's a well-known businessman. Until now, we knew him as a businessman.' He compared that limited knowledge with how close Kunene allegedly is to Molefe. 'I don't have a relationship with him like that. I can't call Patrice Motsepe or go to his house and take my wife there. Patrice Motsepe's wife knows my wife. I don't know a guy like Molefe in that way.' Malema insisted Kunene was lying when he said he didn't know Molefe. 'For Kenny to behave like that in public office and say he doesn't know that guy, that's a lie.' This statement from Malema came after Kenny Kunene was seen at the home of Katiso 'KT' Molefe during a police raid. Kunene's presence at the residence of the murder suspect sparked controversy and raised questions about his relationship with Molefe, leading to widespread scrutiny and calls for clarification. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
8 hours ago
- The South African
Total value of Kenny Kunene's TWO luxury watches
Former 'Sushi King' turned politician, Kenny Kunene, has dismissed any connection to controversial businessman Katiso Molefe, who was arrested this week as the alleged mastermind behind the murder of popular musician DJ Sumbody. But while Kunene insisted on his innocence in a televised interview, eagle-eyed viewers were just as focused on his wrists – where he was seen sporting not one, but two luxury watches, worth in excess of R1.25 million combined. In the interview, the Patriotic Alliance deputy president reiterated that he has no relationship with Molefe, who was dramatically arrested at his Sandton mansion. Kunene said he was simply escorting a journalist from his media company, African News Global, for an exclusive interview. 'I have done nothing wrong. I was at the wrong place at the wrong time – for the right reasons,' he claimed. 'I don't know Mr Molefe. I don't have his cell number. The police established that.' Kunene claims the meeting was arranged via mutual contacts and that the journalist needed his presence to gain access. 'As we drove in – before entering the house – the police kicked the gate in.' While Kunene attempted to distance himself from the high-profile murder case, social media was buzzing about his eye-catching accessory choices: U-Boat Darkmoon (Neon Green) – Approximate value: R22 000 (including shipping) – Approximate value: (including shipping) Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph – Estimated retail: R1.25 million (including shipping) X (formerly Twitter) users were quick to call out the contrast between Kunene's claims of innocence and his continued display of wealth and flamboyance. 'Only Kenny Kunene would wear a R1 million AP while saying, 'I'm just a journalist's chaperone,'' quipped one user. Background: The DJ Sumbody case DJ Sumbody, whose real name was Oupa John Sefoka, was gunned down in 2022 in what police believe was a targeted hit. Molefe, now in custody, is accused of ordering the murder, though full details remain under wraps. Kunene's unexpected presence at Molefe's residence during the arrest has raised eyebrows, but no charges have been brought against him. With police investigations ongoing, the full extent of the Molefe case – and any potential political entanglements – remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Kunene is not under arrest, and says he is 'fully cooperating' with law enforcement. Whether he was truly at the wrong place at the wrong time, or whether there's more to the story, remains a ticking question – much like the luxury watches on his wrists. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The South African
'I don't know Mr Molefe': Gayton claps back at viral pic
Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie has clapped back at viral images of him and deputy-president Kenny Kunene, alongside a man mistaken to be Katiso Molefe, the Sandton businessman who allegedly ordered a hit on DJ Sumbody, real name Oupa John Sefoka. Earlier this week, Kunene was found at the residence of Molefe, whom police have since arrested. He has denied knowing Molefe personally. On social media, pictures of Gayton McKenzie, Kenny Kunene, and another man – mistakenly believed to be Katiso Molefe have gone viral. Moelefe is accused of allegedly ordering the hit on DJ Sumbody, who died in a hail of bullets in 2022. The images have been widely circulated, and even retweeted by Action SA leader Herman Mashaba. Gayton clapped back on his X account: 'This guy in the picture is not Molefe, not you of all people, don't fall for media nonsense.' In another X post, he shared: 'This guy in the picture is Dan Bhuga. You guys are desperate beyond. I don't know Molefe and never met him'. In a third, Gayton McKenzie accused the DA of being behind the misinformation. 'The DA was delivering fake pictures of me with a murder suspect to every house, but our people know that we would not lie to them. The WC is no longer a given for the DA, salute', he posted. Gayton McKenzie has come to Kenny Kunene's defense. Inmage via Instagram @kenny_kunene/@gaytonmck Like Gayton McKenzie, Kenny Kunene has also denied personally knowing Katiso Molefe. During an interview with eNCA, the outspoken Patriotic Alliance deputy-president claims he met Molefe once before being caught at his upmarket Sandton home this week. 'I have never been there before, I have no relationship with Mr Molefe. I don't have his cell number. The police established that. According to Kunene – he had accompanied a journalist to Molefe's house – and was at the 'wrong place at the wrong time, for the right reasons'. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
a day ago
- Politics
- The South African
'I believe Kenny 100%': McKenzie defends Kenny Kunene
Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie has defended his deputy, Kenny Kunene, amid controversy over alleged ties to a mastermind in DJ Sumbody's murder case. This follows Kunene's presence during the arrest of Katiso 'KT' Molefe, a suspect in DJ Sumbody's murder investigation. Molefe was arrested for his alleged role in the killing of amapiano star Oupa 'DJ Sumbody' Sefoka in November 2022. DJ Sumbody and his bodyguard died in a drive-by shooting on a Woodmead road after their vehicle was shot at. The arrest occurred on Monday, with Kunene present at Molefe's home, raising questions about their relationship and possible associations. Kunene insisted he was only there to assist journalists with a scheduled interview at Molefe's house. He explained that his contact had helped the journalist secure an interview with Molefe and had accompanied them there. Kunene maintains he does not have Molefe's contact details and had never visited the suspect's home before the arrest day. 'Then there was an opportunity to interview Molefe and somebody that I know who knows Molefe, and then I arranged the interview. I then had to transport the journalist to Molefe's home,' he told eNCA. He added he was shocked when the police raided Molefe's home and arrested him. Following this, on Tuesday, McKenzie announced that Kunene has been placed on thirty days of special leave while the matter is investigated internally. In a post on X, McKenzie said his believe that Kunene had no direct link with Molefe, and they are launching a probe. 'Firstly, I believe Kenny 100%. I can't expect everyone to believe him, hence we are launching a full investigation to prove what we already know, which is that he is innocent. We will share the whole process and findings,' he said. He added, 'People are saying that I shouldn't vouch for @Kenny_T_Kunene, but I will vouch for him a million times. I know this man. He is a socialite, and his only crime is the accessibility of everyone to him. I believe his version. The party has a duty to treat everyone the same.' WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Daily Maverick
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Kenny Kunene and the growing gangsterisation of our politics
The discovery of Johannesburg councillor and deputy Patriotic Alliance leader Kenny Kunene in the company of the person wanted for paying for DJ Sumbody to be killed is a symbol of our times. It demonstrates the growing criminalisation, or some might call 'gangsterisation', of our politics. This has the potential to completely destabilise our politics, never mind all of the other consequences for our economy and our country. The fact that Kenny Kunene was found with Katiso 'KT' Molefe, who is accused of being the mastermind behind the hit on DJ Sumbody (Oupa John Sefoka), may well have surprised very few people. While Kunene claims that he has mended his ways since serving time in jail, his behaviour has shown in the past that he still has links to this community. It is true that people voted for the Patriotic Alliance knowing the history of both Kunene and its leader Gayton McKenzie. None of what they have done was a secret. But it may be a sign that the PA has ambitions of becoming more mainstream that McKenzie has now 'suspended' Kunene from 'all politics' for a month. That said, McKenzie's public proclamation that 'We already know… that he is innocent' may well cast doubt on the real integrity of the investigation he is now going to institute. Of course both men have a long history of dirty politics. The two were suspected of being behind the publishing of claims in Iqbal Surve's Sunday Independent that President Cyril Ramaphosa had had an affair in 2017, during the run-up to the ANC's Nasrec Conference. Certainly, from the vantage point of this writer at the time, they were acting against Ramaphosa. This was probably explained by the fact McKenzie and Kunene had been selected, presumably by then president Jacob Zuma, as BEE partners for a R5-billion gas and oil deal in Russia. So close was their relationship with Zuma at the time that they appeared close to being able to appoint their councillor Leanne Williams as national police commissioner (in a subsequent radio interview Williams confirmed she had gone through the process of being vetted, despite having no previous experience in policing). Of course, considering Zuma's relationship with the Guptas, and his enablement of their theft from us, it is pretty obvious that they would have the same interests. Ties that bind One major change is that the links between criminals and our politics are growing closer. The claims by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that former police minister Senzo Mchunu is involved with criminals, are just the latest manifestation of this. The history of this is long and sordid, including Jackie Selebi's conviction for taking money from Glenn Agliotti, and Schabir Shaik's conviction for paying bribes to Zuma in 2005. The other big shift is that people are entering politics having become part of criminal networks first. In Joburg, the ANC's Chief Whip, Sithembiso Zungu, is accused of leading what is essentially a construction mafia group. This is part of a bigger process as some of the groups come out of the shadows and are trying to change from 'construction mafias' to 'business forums'. At the same time, other changes in our politics have made this kind of move, from criminality to political office, much easier. Firstly, parties like the ANC are weaker than they've ever been, and thus are easier to join. And, for various reasons, it is now easier to rise to certain positions, partly because there is less competition, and partly because this involves internal campaigning and thus money. Of course, it is also possible to start your own party and actually have an influence in a metro like Joburg (where seven parties have just one seat) or Mangaung (where the ANC has been unable to discipline its members). But what may really be enabling this is the fact that those in the national government, right at the top, are lacking the legitimacy to really stop this from happening. Ramaphosa was happy to include the PA in his coalition for important political reasons. This is despite knowing their history (and the fact that Kunene was probably instrumental in revealing excruciatingly embarrassing details about his personal life). Unfortunately, Ramaphosa himself is accused of breaking the law. While the South African Police Service, the Public Protector and the SA Reserve Bank have all, magically, cleared him of wrongdoing over Phala Phala, the stench still lingers. And what can be more gangsta than storing cash in a sofa and appearing to forget about it? Democracy undermined The impact of all of this on our society is fundamental and profound. Businesses cannot operate. And they cannot know how to protect their workers and assets in the face of a criminal state. Outsurance is a recent example of this. It emerged last month that a claim it paid out on a car after a reported accident was actually fraudulent. The company that had paid the insurance premiums turned out to be a front for an SANDF Special Forces unit. That unit is accused of killing Hawks investigator Frans Mathipa, using the car in the hit. They are then accused of deliberately destroying it. How can Outsurance conduct its business not knowing if a company it has signed a contract with is not actually an arm of the state that is killing people? For voters the damage is even worse. If there is no trust in politicians, then there can be no trust in the criminal justice system they oversee. But worse, if people are now entering politics to extend their criminal empires, the entire democratic project gets undermined. This will encourage and enable the rise of people who will promise to use violence against crime. Groups involving criminals will do this too, claiming to be speaking for their communities (the PA has arguably done this already, campaigning to reinstate the death penalty for crimes like murder; of course, they do not foresee a situation where one of their own could be accused of theft or corruption). In the end the competition will be for who can be seen as the toughest, or the most violent, against crime. That then sows the seeds for some kind of 'strongman' politics, where people will make the most extreme promises. In the meantime, the social ties and rules that are supposed to ensure some kind of fairness will simply break down. It will be rule by the strong. Where the weak will have no option but to either cower, or use violence themselves. Kunene is by no means the only politician connected to criminality. This incident is merely the latest expression of it. But our society appears to be heading in a very dangerous direction. And we are moving there very quickly indeed. DM
