Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy president Kenny Kunene has been officially cleared of any criminal wrongdoing following an independent investigation into his alleged connections to a high-profile murder suspect. The announcement has put an end to months of public speculation and internal party scrutiny, as Kunene faced immense political and personal pressure in the wake of the scandal.
The controversy began in July 2025 when Kenny Kunene was found at the Sandton residence of Katiso “KT” Molefe during a police raid. Molefe, a controversial businessman, is accused of orchestrating the 2022 murder of renowned South African musician Oupa “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka and two of his bodyguards. The violent killing shocked the nation, and Molefe’s arrest made headlines across the country.
Kenny Kunene’s presence at the scene immediately raised questions, both in the media and within the PA itself. Critics speculated about the nature of his relationship with Molefe and whether there were deeper ties to criminal networks. The timing was particularly sensitive, as Kunene was serving as Johannesburg’s MMC for Transport and was considered a prominent figure in the PA’s leadership structure.
Kenny Kunene cleared of wrongdoing after investigation
At the time, Kenny Kunene offered an explanation: he said he was at Molefe’s home in a professional capacity, accompanying a young journalist from his online news platform, Africa News Global. He maintained that his visit had nothing to do with Molefe’s legal troubles and was purely related to the outlet’s media coverage.
Despite his public statements, Kunene was placed under internal investigation by the Patriotic Alliance. As a precautionary measure, the party suspended him from his position as MMC, and Kunene voluntarily resigned as a councillor as well. Many saw this move as a show of integrity and loyalty to the party, though others viewed it as a strategic retreat during a political crisis.
Now, after several weeks of thorough investigation conducted by an independent law firm, the Patriotic Alliance has confirmed that Kunene’s account of events has been validated. PA leader Gayton McKenzie announced the results in a Facebook post on Monday, lauding Kunene for his cooperation and leadership throughout the ordeal.
“To the DP, you have shown absolute leadership,” McKenzie wrote. “When you were asked to step down from being an MMC, you asked me, ‘Must I also step down as councillor?’ and I said yes. You stepped down from being a councillor, and you never went out to go and badmouth the party.”
McKenzie’s public support of Kunene signals a restoration of trust within the party’s leadership and opens the door for Kunene’s possible return to political office. Though no official statement has been made regarding whether Kunene will be reinstated in his previous roles, the vindication strengthens his standing both within the PA and among his supporters.
Kunene, a well-known businessman and former “Sushi King” turned politician, has long been a polarizing figure in South African public life. Known for his lavish lifestyle and outspoken nature, he has often been at the center of media attention. His transition into politics has been equally dramatic, marked by controversy, ambition, and resilience.
The clearing of his name may offer Kunene a political reset — and perhaps even rally support as the PA looks to solidify its presence in the 2026 municipal elections. His next steps remain to be seen, but what is clear is that the accusations that once threatened his career have now been put to rest.
As the dust settles, Kunene has yet to release an official statement, but political insiders suggest he’s preparing to re-enter the spotlight with renewed energy and determination. Whether this marks the beginning of a comeback or a shift in strategy, the PA deputy president is no longer under a cloud of suspicion — and that alone marks a significant victory.
