Patriotic Alliance suspends Kenny Kunene: 'We believe him 100%'

702's Clement Manyathela is joined by Steve Motale, National Spokesperson for the Patriotic Alliance (PA).

Listen below:

The PA appears to have done something of a volte-face in respect of its deputy president, Kenny Kunene.

Having previously supported Kunene in light of allegations around his alleged relationships with suspected underworld figures, PA leader Gayton McKenzie has now suspended his deputy.

It's after Kunene was found at the home of Katiso 'KT' Molefe, the alleged mastermind of DJ Somebody's murder in 2022, a visit the PA says Kunene informed McKenzie about before going.

Kunene confirmed being at Molefe’s home on Sunday when the suspected killer was arrested by police, but said he was there to facilitate a meeting for journalists for a potential exclusive story.

Motale says the move by McKenzie isn't technically a suspension.

ALSO READ: PA’s Kenny Kunene found at suspected killer’s home during raid: ‘You can't make this stuff up’ - Oscar van Heerden, University of Johannesburg

"I wouldn't say it's a suspension. I would say it's a 30-day leave of absence."

- Steve Motale, National Spokesperson - Patriotic Alliance

"The president took the decision to give Mr Kunene the opportunity to clear himself... in the court of public opinion, people have already found him guilty, which is not good at all."

- Steve Motale, National Spokesperson - Patriotic Alliance

On Tuesday, Kunene broke his silence, saying that, while he knows Molefe, the pair are not friends.

 Motale had previously said that the party accepts Kunene’s version of events.

"He explained, but what caught us by surprise was the coincidence of what happened."

- Steve Motale, National Spokesperson - Patriotic Alliance

"He knows he's innocent and he knows he will be vindicated."

- Steve Motale, National Spokesperson - Patriotic Alliance

On Wednesday, McKenzie said he would write to the City of Johannesburg to have Kunene removed as Transport MMC until the investigation is done.

The PA leader said Kunene will be defended by lawyers of 'good character'.

"At the moment, we are engaging our coalition partners with a way forward."

- Steve Motale, National Spokesperson - Patriotic Alliance

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