Kenny Kunene returns

Kenny Kunene, deputy president of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), is returning to Johannesburg’s political arena after an investigation into his presence at the home of murder-accused Katiso “KT” Molefe found no evidence contradicting his account of events.

Kunene resigned in July from his positions as Johannesburg councillor and Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport after he was found at Molefe’s Sandton residence during a police raid.

Molefe is facing charges in connection with the 2022 murder of musician Oupa “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka.

Kunene claimed that he was at the home to assist a journalist from his online publication, Africa News Global, with a potential interview.

“We are not friends. I think if you look at my online newspaper, it hasn’t been that active, and I decided to put together some young people that can run with it, that are interested in the media space, to resuscitate it, obviously, and its own tradition,” Kunene said in an interview with the SABC.

The PA commissioned law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) to investigate the circumstances.

The report found Kunene’s version of events to be corroborated by multiple witnesses as well as by documents and other information reviewed.

Investigators found no evidence or testimony that contradicted his account.

However, the report also importantly notes that Molefe remains incarcerated and has not yet been interviewed to corroborate Kunene’s story.

The report confirms that no criminal proceedings have been instituted against Kunene related to the incident.

PA leader Gayton McKenzie announced Kunene’s return in a Facebook Live broadcast, commending him for stepping aside during the investigation and for not publicly criticising the party.

“The DP is back. You have shown absolute leadership. You stepped aside without badmouthing the party, and your account has been corroborated,” McKenzie said.

Kunene’s re-entry into Johannesburg politics coincides with his selection as the PA’s mayoral candidate for the city.

He will be taking on the DA’s Helen Zille. Other parties have yet to put forward a name.

His reinstatement allows him to resume councillor duties while preparing for his mayoral campaign, with his replacement, Liam Jacobs, resigning and moving to Cape Town.