Kunene Cleared of Wrongdoing, Set to Reclaim Joburg Councillor Post
Natalie Nyathi
Kenny Kunene, the Deputy President of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), is set to return as a Joburg Councillor after an independent investigation found no wrongdoing on his part. This comes after he resigned in July 2025 from his roles as Councillor and Joburg Transport MMC (Member of the Mayoral Committee) while an investigation was ongoing into his ties with businessman Katiso ‘KT’ Molefe.
The investigation started when Kunene was at Molefe’s home in Sandton during a police raid to arrest Molefe. Molefe is accused of being involved in the 2022 murder of Oupa Sefoka, known as DJ Sumbody, along with two of his bodyguards. Kunene explained that he was there to help a journalist from his online news site, Africa News Global, who was there for an interview.
To keep things transparent, the PA suspended Kunene, which led him to resign from his positions in the City of Johannesburg.
The investigation was carried out by the law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr. Their report cleared Kunene of any links to criminal activities involving Molefe. The findings supported Kunene’s version of events, showing there was no evidence against him. The investigation included interviews with Kunene, the journalist, and the editor of Africa News Global, as well as a review of relevant documents.
Now that the investigation is over, Kunene is expected to be reinstated as a City of Johannesburg councillor. It is also likely that he will return to his previous role as MMC of Transport.
PA leader Gayton McKenzie has issued a strong warning to the African National Congress (ANC), demanding Kunene’s quick return as MMC for Transport within seven days. If not, the PA may withdraw from all its local government partnerships with the ANC across the country.
McKenzie praised Kunene for how he handled the situation during the investigation, noting that Kunene stepped down without criticizing the party. McKenzie has also confirmed that Kunene will be the PA’s candidate for mayor of Johannesburg in the upcoming elections.
DA federal chairperson Helen Zille said she was not surprised by Kunene’s clearance, stating, “We are not surprised that the PA has exonerated Kenny Kunene; this is the expected outcome when you investigate yourself.” Governance expert Leo Maphosa criticized the PA’s ultimatum as politically motivated rather than focused on real issues.
Katiso ‘KT’ Molefe remains in custody, facing serious charges linked to the murders of DJ Sumbody and Hector ‘DJ Vintos’ Buthelezi. The prosecution claims that Molefe planned the killings, which are believed to be related to contract killings in the music industry. His bail application was denied, with the court expressing concerns about him being a flight risk and a danger to witnesses.
