‘Wrong Place, Wrong Time?’ Gayton McKenzie Suspends Kenny Kunene in DJ Sumbody Murder Fallout

In a dramatic political shake-up, Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie has suspended his deputy Kenny Kunene following his appearance at the home of a businessman now arrested for the murder of beloved amapiano DJ, Oupa “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka.

Loyalty Meets Accountability

On Tuesday, McKenzie addressed the nation via livestream to confirm that Kunene was being placed on temporary suspension from both the Patriotic Alliance and his official role as MMC for Transport in the City of Johannesburg. The reason? Kunene was found at the Sandton home of Katiso “KT” Molefe, the same home where police arrested Molefe in connection with the DJ’s 2022 murder.

“This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” McKenzie said, his voice steady but visibly conflicted. “I believe in Kenny’s innocence. But belief is not enough; we need facts. That’s why we’re launching a full, independent investigation.”

McKenzie also committed to writing to the Johannesburg Council to have Kunene formally removed from his MMC post to avoid any perception of political interference.

A Tragic Case That Shook Mzansi

DJ Sumbody, real name Oupa Sefoka, was shot and killed in November 2022 in Woodmead, Johannesburg. The attack also claimed the life of another person and left a third injured. Nearly three years on, the case still haunts the South African music industry and public alike.

With Molefe now under arrest, authorities appear to be moving closer to answers, and Kunene’s proximity to the suspect has sparked major political fallout.

Kunene Says He Was There on Business

Speaking to eNCA, Kunene confirmed that he was present when the arrest took place but explained that he was there in a media capacity, not a political one. As head of a media company, he says he was introducing a young journalist to Molefe for a potential scoop on the murder allegations.

“These are young journalists,” Kunene explained. “This could’ve been an exclusive. I was just trying to give them a break. Unfortunately, I ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Public Reactions Split

The response has been intense. On social media, many praised McKenzie’s quick action as a sign of political maturity. Others raised eyebrows over Kunene’s decision to facilitate a meeting with a murder suspect, regardless of the intent.

Meanwhile, the DA’s Johannesburg caucus has formally called for Kunene’s resignation. Party leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku said his position as MMC was “completely untenable” in light of the circumstances.

The Bigger Picture

McKenzie has promised transparency throughout the investigation, saying that “lawyers of good character” would lead the process and that findings would be made public. “Let the truth clear Kenny’s name,” he said, urging supporters to trust in the party’s internal accountability.

Whether this marks a crack in the PA’s leadership or a reaffirmation of its internal discipline remains to be seen. For now, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the fallout of a murder that left a hole in South Africa’s music scene and the political intrigue surrounding those on its periphery.

Also read: From the Backbench to the Big League: Nomusa Dube-Ncube’s Comeback Stuns South African Politics

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Source: IOL

Featured Image: News24