The suspension of Patriotic Alliance (PA) Deputy President Kenny Kunene has sparked widespread public and political reaction, following his presence at the Sandton residence of a murder suspect linked to the assassination of amapiano star Oupa “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka.
Kunene, a controversial figure and former inmate turned businessman and politician, was placed on a 30-day leave of absence from the PA on Tuesday, after it emerged he was present during a high-profile police raid that led to the arrest of Katiso “KT” Molefe—alleged mastermind in the 2022 triple murder of DJ Sumbody and his two protectors.
PA leader Gayton McKenzie confirmed Kunene’s suspension late on Tuesday, saying: “Kenny Kunene will be investigated and I’m going to tell you who’s going to investigate him—lawyers of good character. While he’s being investigated, I’m going to remove him from being an MMC and tell him to step back from politics for one month. That’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life.”
Police Raid and Arrests
The dramatic police operation on Monday was executed by a joint team from the Gauteng Organised Crime Unit and the SAPS Political Killings Task Team. Molefe and three other suspects were apprehended in what police have described as a major breakthrough after nearly three years of intensive investigation.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola praised the arrests, saying, “This is one of those complex cases that required detailed work to ensure a strong case is presented in court. We commend the teams for their perseverance.”
Police confirmed that one of the firearms recovered during the raid has been linked to several other murders, suggesting a broader network of organised crime.
The suspects—Michael Pule Tau (55), Katiso Molefe (61), Tiego Floyd Mabusela (45), and Musa Kekana—appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday facing charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The case was postponed to 29 July 2025.
DA and Civil Society Demand Accountability
Kunene’s explanation—that he was merely accompanying a journalist to Molefe’s home—was swiftly dismissed by the Democratic Alliance (DA).
“No, Kenny, you were not at a murder suspect’s house to ‘drive a journalist there,’” said DA Johannesburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku. “The MMC for Transport being at the home of a murder accused at the time of his arrest is not just suspicious—it is outrageous and untenable.”
Kayser-Echeozonjoku called on Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero to fire Kunene if he refuses to resign, saying his presence at such a scene “discredits the office he holds and suggests troubling links to the criminal underworld.”
“The City cannot be governed by people connected to the criminal underworld. Once a figure like Kunene associates with murder suspects, there is no law he will be afraid to break,” she added.
Public Reaction on Social Media
Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) exploded with public commentary. One user, @TheBaronS, wrote: “People are falling like flies since General Mkhwanazi addressed the crime and corruption. He has solid evidence which is why there’s no hesitation.”
Another, @Kgaidi, was more cynical: “PA doesn’t have structures—just say Kenny & Gayton agreed over whiskey that they’ll mislead the public that Kenny is suspended.”
The sentiment largely leaned toward relief and support for the suspension, though some expressed skepticism over the PA’s internal accountability.
Analysts: ‘This Goes Beyond Kunene’
Political analysts say Kunene’s suspension reflects a broader crisis of credibility within the PA and municipal leadership in Johannesburg.
“Kunene is the symptom of a bigger disease—unchecked patronage and proximity to organised crime,” said Dr. Mcebisi Ndletyana, a political analyst at the University of Johannesburg. “The fact that a sitting MMC was at the home of a murder suspect when police executed an arrest warrant is shocking. It raises urgent questions about who holds power in Johannesburg and how they are connected.”
Independent analyst Khaya Sithole echoed this, saying, “The timing of these arrests and Kunene’s proximity to one of the suspects underlines a troubling overlap between political authority and criminality in parts of our governance system. This is not just a PA issue—it cuts across coalitions and alliances.”
Task Team Undermined?
The arrests came just days after former KZN Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi warned that attempts were underway to disband the SAPS Political Killings Task Team, claiming interference from senior political figures.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu had denied these claims, but critics now say the arrests vindicate Mkhwanazi.
“This Task Team is not just necessary—it is indispensable. Disbanding it would be a betrayal of families like DJ Sumbody’s who are still seeking justice,” the EFF said in a statement.
Investigative records reveal a complicated web involving Molefe, former Crime Intelligence boss Shadrack Sibiya, and businessman Vusimuzi Matlala. Leaked communications and financial records show links to invoices, SAPS tenders, and political interference. It is alleged that Molefe was previously granted bail in another murder case but was re-arrested this week as new evidence emerged.
NPA and Broader Organised Crime Investigation
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed that suspects in the DJ Sumbody case are also linked to the attempted murder of businesswoman Tebogo Thobejane. Two of the accused, Mabusela and Kekana, were already in custody for that case when new evidence connected them to the DJ Sumbody murder.
“The arrest and appearance of the four suspects in the DJ Sumbody case is a significant development. We will ensure a thorough prosecution,” said Mjonondwane.
Authorities are now exploring links to a broader syndicate, suggesting a well-resourced criminal enterprise with ties to government officials, tender irregularities, and contract killings.
Outlook
As investigations deepen, more arrests are likely, and political fallout is expected to escalate. For now, Kunene remains suspended—but pressure is mounting for him to resign altogether.
“This is a watershed moment,” said Dr. Ndletyana. “Whether parties like the PA act decisively or default to spin will determine their future credibility.”
The unfolding saga marks a rare convergence of politics, crime, and accountability—offering a test case for how seriously South Africa treats corruption embedded within its own institutions.
