The denial follows an exclusive telephonic interview conducted by eNCA journalist Heidi Giokos with convicted fraudster Jermaine Prim, who is currently serving time at Johannesburg Correctional Centre.

In the interview, Prim claimed McKenzie is a “proxy” for the so-called “Big 5” drug cartel and alleged that the minister smuggled two cellphones into prison to help run the PA’s social media and by-election campaigns. Prim further suggested the party received funding linked to drug money and operated as a political proxy for the ANC.

McKenzie, who leads the Patriotic Alliance and serves in the Government of National Unity, dismissed the claims as “far-fetched” and false. He stated he has never met Prim in person and only spoke to him once by telephone in January 2025. The minister indicated he would be taking legal action over the broadcast.

The Patriotic Alliance has rejected the accusations outright, describing Prim as a “serial conman” whose claims lack credibility.

Correctional Services officials confirmed the interview was unauthorised and have launched their own internal investigation into how it was conducted.

The allegations surfaced earlier this month when a letter written by Prim was presented to Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The cartel is alleged to be involved in drug trafficking, contract killings, and other serious crimes, and is currently under investigation by the Madlanga Commission.

McKenzie has a past criminal record but has long positioned himself as a reformed politician fighting crime. The latest claims have drawn sharp reactions on social media, with some calling for his suspension and others urging a full police investigation.

As the story develops, opposition parties and civil society groups are watching closely to see whether the matter will prompt an official probe by the Hawks.

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Masemola made the explosive revelation while appearing before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on Tuesday, where he was questioned on the growing allegations of criminal networks operating within SAPS.

Cartels Inside the System

Masemola told Members of Parliament that organised crime has penetrated critical areas of law enforcement including murder investigations and tender processes.

He said authorities are actively investigating individuals linked to these syndicates.

The statement confirms mounting fears that criminal networks are no longer operating outside the system but from within it.

Key Figures Under Investigation

The commissioner confirmed that controversial businessman Vusimuzi Cat Matlala and Katiso Molefe known as TK are among those being investigated.

He also revealed that three additional individuals form part of the alleged network but cannot yet be named due to ongoing investigations.

Task Team Revived

In response to the crisis SAPS has revived the Political Killings Task Team which had previously been disbanded.

Masemola confirmed that 17 members are already deployed and contributing to stabilising operations.

The move signals a significant shift within SAPS and highlights the seriousness of the threat facing the police service.

Leadership Under Pressure

Masemola’s leadership came under scrutiny during the committee session as MPs questioned his handling of internal challenges within SAPS.

This includes allegations involving senior officials such as suspended Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya.

The allegations have further damaged public confidence in the police.

Masemola maintained that he remains committed to rebuilding SAPS before his term ends in 2027.

Mchunu Question Remains

The political pressure intensified when Masemola was asked whether suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is linked to cartel activity.

Masemola said it would be premature to make any conclusions as investigations are still ongoing.

Members of the committee including Mdumiseni Ntuli and Khusela Diko strongly defended Mchunu during the proceedings.

Lifestyle Allegations Addressed

Masemola also responded to claims about his personal wealth following allegations that he owns multiple properties across the country.

He denied any wrongdoing and stated that he lives within his means using his own resources.

All Eyes on Mkhwanazi

Attention now shifts to KwaZulu Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi who is expected to testify next.

His appearance is expected to bring further revelations about the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team and alleged political interference in policing.

MDNtv Insight

This is no longer just a policing issue but a national crisis.

With allegations of cartel infiltration political interference and internal power struggles South Africa is facing a defining moment for law enforcement.

The key question now is whether SAPS can regain control or whether criminal networks have already embedded themselves too deeply within the system.

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Nqola immediately honed in on Matlala’s questionable relationships with police officers, repeatedly challenging him on why uniformed officers were running his personal errands. Matlala ultimately conceded that he had indeed sent a police sergeant to buy batteries for his boat, a revelation that raised eyebrows across the room.

From there, the pressure intensified. Nqola confronted Matlala with alleged fronting, inconsistencies in his statements about tender processes, and a series of suspicious WhatsApp conversations that appeared to contain coded language. Matlala admitted he had only seen the WhatsApp bundle the night before, but struggled to explain the unusual terminology and the context of the exchanges.

As the questioning escalated, Matlala appeared increasingly unsettled. Nqola pressed him on his ties to senior police figures, including individuals alleged to have influence over SAPS tender processes. He also challenged him on accusations of associations with criminal networks, placing particular emphasis on claims involving drug cartels and the so-called “big five” operating in Gauteng.

The committee room grew tense as Nqola interrogated Matlala on payments made to various intermediaries, investigators and politically connected individuals. Matlala insisted that the payments were for accommodation and legitimate assistance, but Nqola pushed him hard on why these transactions appeared irregular and whether they were intended to influence outcomes within law enforcement and government structures.

Throughout the exchange, Nqola exposed major contradictions in Matlala’s testimony, forcing him into several damaging concessions that contradicted earlier statements made under oath. By the end of the session, the atmosphere was electric as MPs and observers recognised that Nqola’s line of questioning had fundamentally weakened Matlala’s narrative.

The dramatic exchange marks one of the most consequential moments of the hearings so far, raising fresh questions about corruption networks, police relationships and the integrity of high-value tenders. With more witnesses still expected, the pressure on the inquiry continues to mount.

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Watch the full breakdown on MDNtv.
South Africa’s most explosive political scandal — unpacked.

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Cele Throws Mchunu Under the Bus | Ad Hoc Committee Probing Mkhwanazi Allegations |

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