South Africa’s political landscape has been thrown into fresh turmoil after convicted inmate Jermaine Prim allegedly made explosive claims on eNCA, accusing Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie of being involved in the drug trade in Cape Town.
The claims contained in a controversial prison letter that has already surfaced in Parliament, where Prim alleged he had access to recordings linking McKenzie to drug dealers and illicit money.
Prim, who is currently behind bars, has previously claimed that his information comes from conversations with alleged underworld figures, including businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, with whom he says he shared a prison cell. His statements have formed part of broader allegations presented during a parliamentary ad hoc committee probing corruption and links between law enforcement and criminal networks.
At the centre of the storm is Prim’s assertion that McKenzie is connected to drug operations – claims that remain unproven and have been strongly disputed.
His allegations have been described by officials as hearsay, with police leadership cautioning that they require verification despite containing details that investigators say are “worrying” and worth probing further.
