By Akani Nkuna
The Patriotic Alliance (PA) president Gayton McKenzie has suspended his deputy, Kenny Kunene, from his role as City of Joburg Transport MMC and from party political activities for one month, pending an investigation into his presence at the home of a suspect in the DJ Sumbody murder case during a police raid on Monday.
Kunene has confirmed that he was present at the Sandton home of murder accused Molefe when police arrested him.
Molefe and three others have been charged with the murder of the popular musician.
Molefe, who has previously been linked to violent crimes, was re-arrested by the SAPS on Monday.
Democratic Alliance (DA) caucus leader in Johannesburg, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, has called for Joburg mayor Dada Morero to dismiss Kunene.
“His presence is laughable and begs the question why a politician has to accompany a murder suspect to have an interview with a journalist,” said Kayser-Echeozonjoku.
“A paid, month-long holiday is not an option for Kunene. Nothing short of his unconditional removal will suffice, pending the outcome of both ethics and criminal investigations into his links with suspected murderers.”
Meanwhile, McKenzie stated during a live broadcast: “Kenny will be investigated, and I am going to tell you who is going to investigate him, lawyers of good character. And while he is being investigated, I am going to remove him from being an MMC, I am also going to tell him to stand from politics for one month until the investigation is done.”
Speaking to eNCA, Kunene defended himself, saying, “I was at the house of Molefe when he was arrested. Then there was an opportunity to interview Molefe and somebody that I know that knows Molefe then arranged the interview, I then had to transport the journalist to Molefe’s home.”
McKenzie defended Kunene, saying, “I think he was setup. By who? I do not know yet. I just know this thing smells like a setup, but I have got no proof of that. Kenny is a people’s person with a trusting nature… I know how much love Kenny for DJ Sumbody.”
He added: “Kenny does not believe he was setup. I am saying to you, that man is a good man. Kenny would not hurt a fly. I am telling you what the truth is; Kenny has got nothing to do with this. He is not a violent person and has never been one. I was the violent person.”
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