Suspended Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy leader Kenny Kunene has officially resigned as a councillor in the City of Johannesburg with immediate effect. The decision follows his recent suspension from both party and municipal roles after being linked to a high-profile police investigation involving the murder case of Oupa Sefoka, popularly known as DJ Sumbody.
Kunene’s political career took a dramatic turn earlier this month when he was spotted outside the home of Katiso “KT” Molefe during a police raid. Molefe has been arrested in connection with the DJ Sumbody murder case. Kunene’s presence at the scene sparked widespread speculation, leading to his suspension as the PA’s deputy president and his removal from his position as Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport.
Party Suspension and Resignation
Although the Patriotic Alliance initially opted for a suspension while conducting an internal investigation, Kunene has now chosen to step down completely from his position as councillor. The party’s internal probe, expected to run for 30 days, aims to determine the nature of his involvement, if any, with Molefe and the ongoing murder investigation.
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In his resignation letter addressed to the Speaker of the Johannesburg City Council, Kunene stated that he believes stepping away from public office is “in the public interest” while the matter is being resolved. He added that his resignation would allow the Patriotic Alliance and the city council to operate without distraction.
Kunene’s Explanation
Kunene maintains that his visit to KT Molefe’s home was purely professional and unrelated to any illegal activities. According to him, he had accompanied a journalist from an online publication he owns to conduct an exclusive interview with Molefe. While the journalist’s identity has not been disclosed, Kunene emphasized his commitment to fully cooperating with the ongoing internal party investigation.
In a statement following his resignation, Kunene said he is proud of the work he accomplished during his tenure as both a councillor and MMC. “I remain dedicated to serving the people of Johannesburg in other capacities and will continue contributing to community development,” he noted.
Party’s Next Steps
The Patriotic Alliance is now tasked with finding a replacement to fill Kunene’s vacant seat in the Johannesburg City Council. Party leaders have indicated that they will prioritize appointing someone with integrity and a commitment to transparency.
Kunene’s resignation marks yet another shake-up in Johannesburg’s political landscape. His sudden exit, amid ongoing investigations, raises questions about the internal stability of the Patriotic Alliance and its leadership.
The police investigation into the murder of DJ Sumbody continues, with KT Molefe remaining a key suspect. The PA has vowed to maintain strict internal protocols and ensure that its members uphold the highest ethical standards.
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