Kenny Kunene Cleared of Wrongdoing, Set for Political Comeback in Joburg

The name Kenny Kunene has never been far from controversy, but this time the outcome has tilted in his favour. The Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy president has been cleared of any wrongdoing following an independent investigation into his alleged criminal connections with businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe, the man accused of orchestrating the murder of beloved musician DJ Sumbody.

Why Kunene Was Under Scrutiny

In July, police swooped on Molefe’s Sandton home to arrest him. Standing in the middle of the unfolding drama was none other than Kunene. His presence at the house immediately raised questions, and speculation ran wild on social media.

Kunene, who had been serving as Johannesburg’s MMC for Transport, explained he was there to facilitate a meeting between Molefe and a journalist from his online news platform, Africa Global News. The story, according to him, had the makings of an exclusive.

Despite his explanation, the optics were damaging. His party boss, Gayton McKenzie, suspended him, and Kunene stepped down from both his MMC position and his councillor role to allow the investigation to proceed.

Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy president Kenny Kunene has been cleared of any wrongdoing following a probe into his alleged criminal connections with Katiso “KT” Molefe. @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/t5i1fzbJ0d

𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) September 23, 2025

Cleared by the Probe

On Monday night, McKenzie confirmed via Facebook that a law firm’s forensic report had found Kunene “truthful” in his version of events.

“To the DP, you have shown absolute leadership,” McKenzie said, praising Kunene for not turning against the party during his suspension. “Our DP is back. Die Here is die Here (God is God).”

The announcement sparked reactions online, with PA supporters celebrating what they called “justice served,” while critics questioned the timing especially as the party eyes Johannesburg’s top office.

The Shadow of DJ Sumbody’s Murder

This saga cannot be separated from the tragedy that triggered it. DJ Oupa “Sumbody” Sefoka was gunned down in Woodmead in November 2022, a killing that shocked the entertainment industry and left fans mourning one of amapiano’s most recognisable figures.

KT Molefe, now facing accusations of being the mastermind behind that crime, continues to loom large in this story. Kunene’s mere presence at Molefe’s home was enough to set off alarm bells, showing just how deeply the murder case still resonates in South Africa.

A Political Rebound in Joburg?

Far from fading into the background, Kunene is already being positioned for a comeback. McKenzie recently confirmed that the former “Sushi King” will be the PA’s candidate for Johannesburg mayor.

“He has done very good work in the City of Joburg,” McKenzie told supporters last week, insisting Kunene’s cleared name paves the way for him to step into one of the country’s most hotly contested political positions.

What This Means for Joburg Politics

Johannesburg’s political landscape is notoriously volatile, with coalitions shifting like sand. Kunene’s potential candidacy adds another layer of intrigue, especially as the PA has built its brand on tough talk, grassroots appeal, and McKenzie’s larger-than-life persona.

For supporters, Kunene’s clearance is a vindication and a rallying point ahead of the city’s mayoral battles. For detractors, it raises questions about accountability, timing, and whether the cloud of DJ Sumbody’s unsolved murder has truly lifted.

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com