Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie denies allegations he sent mobile phones to an inmate, vowing to take legal action against eNCA, its journalist, and correctional officials.
Image: Oupa Mokoena
Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie is suing broadcaster eNCA, its journalist, editor, and correctional services officials after an inmate accused him of sending mobile phones while behind bars.
The move follows an interview with inmate Jermaine Prim, who alleged that McKenzie sent two mobile phones to him while he was in prison, as reported by IOL.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has strongly condemned the telephonic interview, which was conducted at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre, confirming that an investigation has been launched into how it took place.
In a statement issued on Saturday, DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the interview occurred without the approval of the National Commissioner.
“This engagement, conducted without the approval of the National Commissioner, represents a clear violation of established Standard Operating Procedures.”
He added that media houses must formally apply for permission to interview offenders to ensure that security, legal processes and victims’ rights are not compromised.
“No such application was received or approved,” he said.
Nxumalo said the extended and uninterrupted nature of the interview raises serious concerns about possible breaches of internal controls and whether unauthorised communication channels were used.
He said the investigation will focus on determining the method of communication and identifying any compliance failures.
“The department remains committed to upholding institutional security and will act decisively against any conduct that undermines the correctional system.”
Nxumalo urged media institutions to exercise due diligence and adhere to the regulatory framework governing engagements with offenders.
During the telephonic interview, Prim was asked to explain his relationship with McKenzie.
Prim alleged that he met McKenzie through an associate, Mario “Ikit” Darzis, around 2012, and reconnected with him in 2020 after the death of Nathaniel Julies.
Julies, a 16-year-old boy with Down syndrome, was shot dead by police in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, in August 2020, sparking national outrage and renewed scrutiny of police brutality.
"We made a big noise with the death of Nathaniel Julies because that was close to my heart; my children live a street away from them," Prim said in the interview.
Prim further claimed that McKenzie later enlisted his help in running a social media campaign for party’s by-elections.
"He then asked me if I could please (work) on a social media campaign and get people on the ground to help him win the Riverlea by-election. I ran the social media campaign. I also invested quite a bit in the campaign. As a result, the PA won the by-election," Prim alleged.
The Patriotic Alliance dismisses claims from a convicted fraudster linking its leader Gayton McKenzie to wrongdoing.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
He said the relationship later deteriorated over an alleged unpaid debt.
"Gayton owed me quite a bit of money that I had invested in the campaign; this led to a dispute between the two of us."
Prim also made a more explosive allegation.
"Yes, Gayton sent in two phones for me at the time," he said when asked if this occurred while he was in prison.
The controversy comes after Parliament’s ad hoc committee, investigating allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, recently concluded oral hearings that revealed new claims and evidence.
During proceedings, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party MP David Skosana questioned Mkhwanazi about allegations contained in a letter from Prim.
The letter, which has not been published in full, refers to conversations Prim allegedly had with murder-accused businessman Vusimuzi Matlala.
Prim claims he shared a prison cell with Matlala at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility and detailed their discussions in the letter.
Mkhwanazi acknowledged that the letter constitutes hearsay evidence.
In it, Prim alleges he has a voice recording linking McKenzie to drug dealers and illicit funds.
However, the PA has denied all the claims.
“The Patriotic Alliance condemns in the strongest possible terms the reckless and defamatory allegations made by convicted fraudster Jermaine Prim during a recent media interview given from prison of all places,” PA national spokesperson Steve Motale said.
“His claims are categorically false.”
Motale said Prim is a convicted criminal serving a sentence for fraud, scams and theft.
“His credibility is not a matter of debate - it is totally absent. This individual has a proven history of deception, impersonation and manipulation. Among his laundry list of cases is a charge of impersonating the head of the National Prosecuting Authority himself.”
Motale added that claims by Prim’s family that he is awaiting trial are false.
“Not a single piece of credible, verifiable evidence has been produced to support Jermaine Prim's wild claims.
“He has shown no bank records, has no corroborating witnesses and has no documentation - although we have no doubt that he has the ability to fabricate anything he pleases, including people's voices on telephone calls.”
“He has done so before and faced charges and sentencing for exactly this,” he claimed.
The party said a 2022 report in the Mail & Guardian alleged that Prim ran a sophisticated fraud syndicate from prison using cloned phone numbers and impersonating senior officials.
“What South Africans are witnessing now is a continuation of that same modus operandi: misdirection, fabrication and the deliberate targeting of high-profile leaders to generate attention and credibility for his otherwise baseless claims.”
Motale said Prim initiated contact with McKenzie in 2020.
“Prim himself reached out to President McKenzie in 2020, from prison, as part of his broader pattern. At first, President McKenzie had no knowledge that he was communicating with a convicted inmate.”
“He was deliberately misled into believing he was engaging with an ordinary member of the public who was presenting himself as someone willing to volunteer time, assist with marketing efforts and contribute to the growth of the Patriotic Alliance.”
“It was only later that it became apparent that this interaction formed part of Prim's wider pattern of impersonation, manipulation and deception.”
Motale said McKenzie has made it clear he has never met Prim in person.
He added that after contact was cut, McKenzie lodged a complaint against Prim for allegedly threatening PA members from prison, leading to an investigation and Prim’s transfer to a more secure facility.
Motale also raised concerns about how the interview was conducted.
“By his own account, Prim was able to initiate direct contact with a journalist from within a correctional facility. It raises serious questions about how such access was obtained, whether it was authorised, and whether correctional regulations have been breached.”
The Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie has hit back at allegations made by an inmate during a controversial prison interview.
Image: Supplied
McKenzie said the matter reflects Prim’s “old modus operandi”.
"We have seen this before. Last year, we were subjected to the same abuse, through the same eNCA news channel, and the same journalist.”
“No evidence was presented then, no evidence has emerged since then, and no new evidence has come to light even now. And yet they continue to run with this story as though there is anything worth reporting."
"I do not know who this so-called 'Big Five' is. I have never met anyone whose name has been mentioned in connection with it, and I categorically deny any links to such individuals."
"This is dirty politics at play. With the tremendous success of our party, and my work as a Minister, we fully expected these kinds of campaigns ahead of a very important election."
McKenzie confirmed legal action will be taken against Thobakgale, Groenewald, broadcaster eNCA, its editor, and journalist Heidi Giokos in her personal capacity and that the matter will be reported to the Broadcasting Ombudsman.
“South Africans are not naive. A convicted fraudster does not become a credible whistleblower simply by making louder or more sensational allegations, even if he is aided and abetted by excitable members of the media.”
The party urged the public to dismiss the claims.
“This is a calculated attempt to exploit the public interest, attach a conspiracy theory to a high-profile political figure, and manufacture credibility where none can possibly exist.
“We remain committed to transparency, accountability and the rule of law. Should any credible evidence be presented through proper legal channels, it will be addressed accordingly.
“Until then, these allegations remain what they are: baseless, unproven and unworthy of public trust, and we call on members of the PA to ignore this charade and focus on hard work and delivery for the people of South Africa,” it added.
SATURDAY STAR