Suspended Patriotic Alliance deputy leader Kenny Kunene has stepped down as a councillor in Johannesburg.
Kenny Kunene resignation follows appearance at police raid scene
The decision comes after he was seen at the home of a man arrested in connection with the killing of popular musician DJ Sumbody.
According to information released by city officials and the Patriotic Alliance, Kunene was spotted earlier this month outside the home of Katiso “KT” Molefe during a police raid.
Molefe has since been arrested for his alleged involvement in the murder of Oupa Sefoka, better known as DJ Sumbody.
Kunene’s unexpected presence at the raid drew public attention and concern.
His political party, the Patriotic Alliance, responded by suspending him from his position as deputy president and recalling him as Johannesburg’s MMC (Member of the Mayoral Committee) for Transport.
In response to the growing scrutiny, Kunene submitted a formal resignation letter to the speaker of the Johannesburg city council. He stated that his resignation was “in the public interest” while investigations continue.
Kunene claims there was nothing improper about his visit to Molefe’s home. He says he was there to accompany a journalist from an online media outlet that he owns.
The journalist, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, was reportedly scheduled to conduct an interview with Molefe.
Despite stepping down, Kunene said he remains committed to cooperating fully with the party’s 30-day internal investigation into the matter. He also expressed pride in his work during his time as a councillor and as MMC.
With Kunene’s departure, the Patriotic Alliance will now begin the process of appointing a new councillor to fill the vacant seat.
Kunene is no stranger to controversy. He previously served a prison sentence from 1997 to 2003 after being convicted for running a Ponzi scheme, a type of financial scam that pays returns to earlier investors using the money of new investors.
During his time in prison, he reportedly became a well-known figure among inmates.
After his release, Kunene worked in education and business, later teaming up with former bank robber Gayton McKenzie, now a political leader. Together, they started ventures including a seafood distribution company.