Johannesburg — Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has announced the appointment of Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH), one of South Africa’s leading law firms, to investigate serious allegations involving the party’s deputy president, Kenny Kunene.
The move comes after claims emerged linking Kunene to an alleged criminal network headed by Katiso “KT” Molefe, who is accused of orchestrating the 2022 murder of popular musician DJ Sumbody.
Kunene has since resigned from all public offices and has been suspended from political activities within the PA, pending the outcome of the probe.
Why Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Was Chosen
McKenzie said the party conducted a rigorous vetting process, reviewing multiple legal firms before settling on CDH.
“We didn’t want a small firm. And then our enemies say, ‘you took this one or that one’,” McKenzie explained.
“The first three firms we considered had done business with our mines in the past. We needed one with no ties to our companies – that’s how we landed on Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr.”
Known for its expertise in corporate governance, regulatory investigations, and high-profile litigation, CDH’s appointment signals the PA’s stated commitment to transparency and independent oversight.
Scope of the Investigation
While the full terms of reference have yet to be made public, the probe will reportedly examine:
- Allegations linking Kunene to criminal elements
- His possible involvement in or knowledge of illicit activities
- Any political or governance implications for his role within the PA
McKenzie confirmed the contract with CDH will be signed imminently, with work expected to begin immediately.
“We are signing the contract tomorrow. They are ready to start. And once the investigation is complete, we will make the findings public,” McKenzie said.
PA Seeks to Contain Fallout
The Patriotic Alliance says Kunene’s suspension and the independent investigation are part of a broader strategy to protect the party’s integrity.
“This isn’t just about Kenny. It’s about showing the country that we take integrity seriously,” McKenzie emphasised.
“We want full transparency. We’ll give you everything when the report comes out.”
Kunene has reportedly welcomed the investigation and pledged his cooperation, insisting he will not interfere with the process.
