Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie on Sunday night announced the appointment of South African law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) to investigated allegations involving PA Deputy President Kenny Kunene.
The appointment follows serious allegations linking Kunene to an alleged criminal syndicate headed by Katiso “KT” Molefe, who stands accused of orchestrating the murder of popular musician DJ Sumbody in 2022.
Kunene has since resigned from all public office and was suspended from all political activity within the party pending the outcome of the probe.
Why Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr?
McKenzie explained that the party underwent a rigorous vetting process in selecting a legal team, reviewing multiple law firms before settling on CDH.
He said the choice was made to ensure transparency, credibility, and independence.
“We didn’t want a small firm. And then our enemies say, ‘you took this one or that one’,” McKenzie stated.
“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.”
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr is one of South Africa’s top-tier legal firms, known for its expertise in corporate governance, regulatory investigations, and litigation.
Its involvement signals a serious commitment to due process and independent oversight by the Patriotic Alliance.
Scope of the Investigation
While the full terms of reference have not yet been made public, the investigation will examine allegations linking Kunene to criminal elements, his possible involvement in or knowledge of illicit activity, and any implications for his political role.
McKenzie confirmed that the contract with CDH is being finalised and that the investigation will 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 assured.
PA Seeks to Distance Itself from Controversy
Kunene’s suspension and the appointment of CDH are part of the PA’s strategy to contain political fallout and uphold a public image of accountability.
“This isn’t just about Kenny. It’s about showing the country that we take integrity seriously,” McKenzie said.
“We want full transparency. We’ll give you everything when the report comes out.”
Kunene has reportedly cooperated fully and welcomed the investigation, saying he does not want to appear as if he’s interfering.
What’s Next?
The law firm is expected to complete its investigation in the coming weeks.
Its findings will influence both Kunene’s political future and the PA’s standing ahead of key municipal by-elections and coalition negotiations.
Observers say this could set a new standard for internal accountability in South African political parties, depending on how the process unfolds.
What do you expect Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr’s investigation to result in?
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