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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It is alleged that during 2012, the suspect was a co-director of the company named Rowen Tree 60 Pty Ltd with two other directors. The suspect allegedly withdrew an application for renewal of prospecting mining rights, which was in the process at the Department of Minerals Resource and Energy (DMRE) . Later on, in 2015, the suspect, together with her co-directors, resolved to sell the company and the withdrawn prospecting mining right to a known businessman in the Northern Cape for an amount of R100 000.00. After the conclusion of the sale agreement but before the business man could make payment, she sold the company to the complainant and withheld the letter withdrawing the prospecting mining right, thereby misleading the complainant as though the prospecting mining right was valid and in good standing. Consequently, the complainant accepted the offer and paid an amount of R1 ‪368 000.00‬. After the complainant paid the amount of R1 ‪368 000.00‬ to the seller of the rights, an amount of R100 000.00 was then paid to a personal account belonging to one of the Directors of Rowen Tree 60 Pty Ltd. This series of fraudulent transactions resulted in the complainant losing an amount of R1 ‪368 000.00‬. More arrests are imminent.

Northern Cape Hawks Spokesperson Warrant Officer Nomthadaso Mnisi said the suspect is expected to appear before Douglas Magistrates Court on Thursday, 19 June 2025.

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The accused Maphalu was granted R1000 bail.

It is alleged that on Monday, 11 November 2024, the 59-year-old victim allegedly made contact with the suspect who claimed to be a registered credit provider who offers assistance with vehicle financing through the national credit regulator.

It is alleged that the suspect had previously assisted the victim’s wife with a vehicle purchase from an auction.

The victim allegedly deposited an amount of R130 000 into the suspect’s bank account after he promised to purchase a Hyundai H1 through an auction sale.

After receiving the money, the suspect allegedly failed to purchase the vehicle for the victim. It is further alleged that he spent the R130 000 he got from the victim on his personal and travel expenses.

Lejweleputswa Policespokesperson Sergent Palesa Thabana said a case of fraud was registered in Welkom on Thursday, 9 January 2025.

After months of investigations by the Welkom Commercial Crimes Unit, the 30-year-old male accused was traced and subsequently arrested in Mofolo Central, Soweto, on Friday, 16 May 2025.

The matter was postponed to 27 June 2025 for further police investigations.

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