Overlorded by underworld

Two recent events highlighted a perceived intermingling of South African politicians with the criminal underworld – and the ANC's utter inability to fix this.

- Martin Williams

The first event was Kenny Kunene pitching up at the home of a murder suspect at the centre of a web of alleged politically tainted criminality. The second was former chief justice Raymond Zondo's critique of President Cyril Ramaphosa's failure to implement recommendations of the commission of inquiry into state capture.

Kunene's stated reasons for being at Katiso Molefe's home were implausible to radio, TV and social media audiences. Even his long-time friend and political boss, fellow ex-convict Gayton McKenzie, knew the position was indefensible. Molefe was mentioned in KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's media conference on 6 July, where allegations were made about senior police machinations.