Kenny Kunene Quits Joburg Council but Remains Patriotic Alliance Deputy Leader Amid DJ Sumbody Murder Probe

Suspended, not silenced: Kunene says DJ Sumbody murder link is ‘unfounded’

Kenny Kunene’s name is once again making waves in Johannesburg’s political and public circles, but this time, it’s less about flashy leadership and more about a murder investigation that has gripped the country since 2022.

A Sudden Exit Amid Suspicion

Over the weekend, Kunene tendered his resignation as a City of Johannesburg councillor, stepping down from his post as the former MMC for Transport with immediate effect. But his exit from municipal politics has raised more questions than answers, especially after it emerged he was seen at the home of Katiso “KT” Molefe, the man recently arrested in connection with the high-profile murder of popular amapiano artist and entrepreneur DJ Sumbody.

For many South Africans, the case remains chilling: DJ Sumbody (real name Oupa John Sefoka) was gunned down in a brutal drive-by shooting in Woodmead, Johannesburg, in the early hours of November 20, 2022. The killing shocked fans and fellow artists alike, who’ve been left waiting for justice as police quietly pursued leads.

What Was Kunene Doing There?

That’s the burning question. Kunene says he had been at Molefe’s house to facilitate a potential exclusive interview for Africa Global News, a media outlet he runs. According to him, it was purely professional, nothing sinister.

“The allegations are completely unfounded,” Kunene told media on Monday, insisting his record speaks for itself and that his contributions to Joburg’s transport portfolio were significant. He claims the visit was misinterpreted and insists he has nothing to hide.

Suspended But Still in the Inner Circle

While Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie acted swiftly to suspend Kunene pending an internal party investigation, the party has now clarified that Kunene remains its deputy president for now.

PA spokesperson Steve Motale confirmed that Kunene’s suspension doesn’t remove him from his senior leadership role within the party, which could suggest internal support or simply a wait-and-see approach.

Council Washes Its Hands

Joburg Mayor Dada Morero made it clear that, now that Kunene has resigned, the City Council is no longer involved.

“He has given us a resignation. The council has officially released him, and this is now a police matter,” said Morero. “In terms of our code of conduct, we no longer have jurisdiction.”

Translation: the ball is firmly in SAPS’s and the PA’s court.

Public Reaction: Skepticism and Suspicion

On social media, reaction to the story has been a mix of disbelief and cynicism. Some users on X (formerly Twitter) questioned the timing of Kunene’s resignation and the explanation he gave for his visit.

“He just happened to be there for a journalist? Sounds like a script,” one user posted.

Others pointed out the blurred lines between political power and underworld dealings, with tweets like: “Another Joburg politician tangled in crime drama. We’ve seen this movie before.”

Context: The Kunene Brand

Known as the “Sushi King” for his flamboyant past and lavish lifestyle, Kenny Kunene has long been a colourful figure in South African politics. His rise from ex-convict to political heavyweight and now media mogul, has earned him both criticism and admiration.

But his controversial style has also drawn scrutiny, especially when paired with party leader Gayton McKenzie, himself no stranger to a dramatic reinvention story. The PA’s rise to prominence in metros like Johannesburg has partly been fueled by their populist, tough-on-crime rhetoric, which makes Kunene’s current position all the more ironic.

Where To From Here?

With Kunene out of the council but still in the party’s top structure, his future depends largely on what the police and perhaps public opinion — uncover in the coming weeks.

For now, he’s playing defence, vowing his conscience is clear.

But in a city like Joburg, where politics and crime too often collide, clean exits are rare and suspicions linger long after the headlines fade.

{Source: The Citizen}

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