Sports, Arts and Culture Minister and Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has appointed law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr to investigate allegations involving PA Deputy President Kenny Kunene.

McKenzie announced during a live address on Sunday night, providing clarity on the party’s response to the controversy surrounding Kunene’s conduct.

McKenzie confirmed that Kunene has been suspended from all political activity pending the outcome of the investigation.

“You know that we’ve suspended Kenny, the DP, away from political activity, until we know what really happened there,” McKenzie said. 

Kunene was suspended as deputy president and subsequently resigned from his positions as a Proportional Representation Councillor and Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport in the City of Johannesburg.

His resignation in July followed allegations linking him to the alleged criminal syndicate led by Katiso “KT” Molefe, who is accused of masterminding the murder of popular musician Oupa John Sefoka, known as DJ Sumbody.

McKenzie also confirmed Kunene’s cooperation with the investigation, stating, “The DP then said, it’s fine, investigate. I don’t want to look like I’m interfering.”

In response, McKenzie said the PA committed to a transparent investigation and tasked Eugene, with sourcing a reputable law firm.

“We went through quite a few law firms, because we didn’t want a small one. Because of our past associations with law firms, we had to look at one that has never done business with our companies. And we have no link to,” he said.

“I think the first three that we spoke to, a link could be proven. It could be proven that they’ve done business with our mines.”

McKenzie said the party settled on Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr.

“We finally got Clifford Decker and Hofmeyer. We will sign tomorrow (Monday), the contract which they’ve already sent. And they will do the investigation,” McKenzie said. 

He emphasised the importance of transparency and credibility in the process: “We didn’t want to take a small firm. And then you say, our enemies will say, you took this one or that one.”

While expressing belief in Kunene’s innocence, McKenzie stressed the necessity of a proper investigation.

“I believe in his innocence. Most of you do too. But we sometimes have a duty to have things be, for things to be investigated.”

McKenzie promised full transparency regarding the process and outcome. “We want full transparency. We’ll give you everything when the report comes out.”

The investigation is expected to begin formally once the contract is signed, he said. 

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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