Gayton McKenzie To Take Legal Action After Convicted Inmate Alleges He Sent Phones In Prison

The Patriotic Alliance has announced that its leader, Gayton McKenzie, will pursue legal action against National Correctional Services Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale, Minister of Correctional Services Pieter Groenewald, broadcaster eNCA, its editor, and journalist Heidi Giokos in their personal capacities.

The announcement follows a telephonic interview conducted with convicted inmate Jermaine Prim at Johannesburg Correctional Centre, in which he claimed McKenzie sent him two mobile phones while he was in prison.

Department of Correctional Services Investigates Unauthorized Interview

Department of Correctional Services (DCS) condemned the interview, saying it was conducted without approval from the National Commissioner.

Spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo stated: “This engagement, conducted without the approval of the National Commissioner, represents a clear violation of established Standard Operating Procedures.”

Nxumalo confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine how Prim gained unauthorized access to media communication channels and to identify any compliance failures.

Inmate Claims Ties to PA Campaign, Gayton McKenzie Refutes

During the interview, Prim alleged he met McKenzie in 2012 and later assisted the Patriotic Alliance’s by-election campaign in Riverlea. Prim also claimed a financial dispute arose over an unpaid debt and admitted that McKenzie had sent him two phones while he was incarcerated.

The Patriotic Alliance categorically denied all allegations. National spokesperson Steve Motale said:

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“The claims are categorically false. Prim has a long history of deception and manipulation. No credible evidence has been provided, and his credibility is entirely absent.”

Motale added that McKenzie never met Prim in person and was misled into believing he was communicating with an ordinary member of the public.

Gayton McKenzie Calls Out Media and Political Motives

McKenzie labelled the story as politically motivated and reiterated that he would pursue legal action against those involved in the reporting. He also confirmed 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 aided by excitable members of the media,” McKenzie said.

The Patriotic Alliance urged the public to dismiss the allegations and focus on the party’s work, describing the claims as “baseless, unproven, and unworthy of public trust.”