What led to the police raid on Molefe’s Sandton home?
On Monday, 21 July 2025, officers swooped on a luxurious residence in Sandton to detain Katiso "KT" Molefe, a businessman accused of plotting the murder of Johannesburg DJ Sumbody back in 2022. The operation was part of a broader crackdown on a network of alleged hit‑men linked to several high‑profile killings.
When officers entered the property they found a familiar face on the front steps – Kenny Kunene. The PA deputy president and city MMC for Transport was standing outside, looking bewildered as detectives questioned him before taking Molefe into custody.
Kunene later told the Mail & Guardian that his presence had nothing to do with the crime. He said he was escorting a young reporter from Africa News Global, an online portal he owns, who wanted an exclusive interview with Molefe about the ongoing murder case. "I was at the wrong place at the wrong time, for the right reasons," he said, adding that he had no business relationship with Molefe.
The timeline fits the journalist’s request: the reporter aimed to get Molefe’s side of the story before the court hearing, hoping to publish a piece that would shed light on the alleged conspiracy. Kunene maintained that his role was purely logistical, facilitating access to a figure who rarely grants media interviews.
Political fallout and the subsequent investigation
The sight of a senior PA official at the scene of a homicide arrest sparked an immediate reaction from opposition parties. The Democratic Alliance’s Johannesburg caucus leader, Belinda Kayser‑Echeozonjoku, called the explanation “laughable” and pushed for Kunene’s resignation as MMC for Transport. "A public official cannot be seen loitering at a suspect’s house while police are about to make a major arrest," she said in a press release.
Within hours, Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie announced Kunene’s suspension from the party and said he would be stripped of his MMC portfolio. McKenzie framed the move as a way to allow an “independent investigation” without the shadow of political interference. During a live broadcast he added, "This is the hardest decision I have had to make, but the integrity of our party and the city’s governance must come first. Kenny Kunene will be investigated by lawyers of good character."
Meanwhile, Molefe faces a string of serious accusations:
- Three counts of murder for the 2022 ambush that killed DJ Sumbody and his bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza.
- Conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the same incident.
- Charges for the April 2024 hit‑style killing of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart.
Police describe the Woodmead attack – where DJ Sumbody and his entourage were riddled with bullets – as a professionally planned execution, suggesting a wider network of hired shooters.
Following Kunene’s suspension, forensic experts were brought in to examine phone records, CCTV footage, and any physical evidence that might link him to Molefe’s alleged criminal activities. The report, released two weeks later, found no trace of communication between Kunene and the suspect beyond the brief interaction captured by the journalist’s camera. No DNA, fingerprints, or vehicular data tied Kunene to any illicit planning.
Kunene’s legal team seized on the findings, issuing a statement that the investigation “clearly shows that the deputy president was merely an unwitting by‑stander, present for legitimate journalistic reasons.” They warned that any further political maneuvering against him could be seen as an attempt to undermine press freedom.
Despite the forensic clearance, the episode has already left a mark on Kunene’s political standing. City Council members have requested a formal review of his fitness to serve as MMC for Transport, citing concerns over public perception and the need for transparent governance. The PA’s internal disciplinary committee is slated to meet next month to decide whether the suspension will become permanent or if Kunene can be reinstated.
For now, the focus remains on the broader murder case that brought Molefe to the police’s doorstep. Prosecutors are preparing to present a mountain of evidence – ballistics, intercepted communications, and testimony from surviving witnesses – in a trial that could set a precedent for how organized crime is tackled in South Africa’s major cities.
Madhu Murthi
September 24, 2025 AT 01:06Kenny Kunene thinks he's above the law, but no one is above the motherland's standards đźš©. The fact that he was caught at a crime scene proves he is complicit, and any patriot should demand his resignation now.
Amrinder Kahlon
October 8, 2025 AT 07:39Oh sure, because every politician automatically turns into a criminal mastermind the moment they step out of a front door. Thanks for the deep analysis.
Abhay patil
October 22, 2025 AT 14:12The police raid on Molefe's home was part of a larger crackdown on organized crime.
The presence of a senior political figure inevitably raises eyebrows.
However, the forensic report found no direct link between Kunene and the alleged hit‑men.
This suggests his role was limited to facilitating a media interview.
While the intention may have been journalistic, the optics are problematic for public trust.
The opposition parties seized the moment to demand accountability.
Their calls for resignation are politically motivated rather than evidence based.
Meanwhile, the murder case against Molefe remains the core legal issue.
Prosecutors have amassed substantial ballistic and communication evidence.
If convicted, this could set a precedent for tackling organized crime in South Africa.
The party's internal disciplinary committee must balance political pressure with due process.
Suspending Kunene before the investigation concludes undermines the principle of innocent until proven guilty.
On the other hand, maintaining his position amid public outcry could erode confidence in governance.
A transparent review with input from independent observers would serve all stakeholders.
Ultimately, the focus should remain on delivering justice for the victims of the 2022 ambush.
Amber Brewer
November 5, 2025 AT 19:44The forensics clearly cleared Kunene, so the suspension seems unjust.
Kim Coulter
November 20, 2025 AT 02:17When the veil of power is lifted we glimpse the fragile architecture of truth; yet truth, like a river, carves its own path through stone. To demand purity from a man who merely opened a door is to mistake the messenger for the message itself. The balance between duty and perception is the silent ruler of our civic conscience.
Michelle Toale-Burke
December 4, 2025 AT 08:50My heart aches for the families caught in this tangled web :'( the politics, the crime, the media frenzy-it’s overwhelming.
Amy Paradise
December 18, 2025 AT 15:23Sending good vibes to everyone affected 🌟 let’s hope truth shines through the chaos and justice finds its way! 🙏
Janette Cybulski
January 1, 2026 AT 21:55Hey, I get it – the whole thing looks messy but let’s give the investigation a fair shot before we jump to conclusions.