By Johnathan Paoli
Popular musician and businessman Sbusiso “DJ Sbu” Leope WeNkosi has issued a denial after being implicated at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, rejecting allegations that he benefited from multimillion-rand grants linked to the City of Ekurhuleni.
In a statement on social media, Leope completely denied any wrongdoing or involvement in corruption in the metro.
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“These allegations, which attempt to implicate myself and businessman Thembinkosi TK Nciza, are entirely false, defamatory, and without any factual basis. I categorically deny any involvement in wrongdoing, misconduct, or unethical activity of any kind,” Leope stated.
The statement followed testimony on Monday by suspended Ekurhuleni head of legal and risk services, advocate Khemraj “Kemi” Behari, who told the commission that Leope and his long-time business partner, ANC politician and music executive Thembinkosi “TK” Nciza, were among “key beneficiaries” of Ekurhuleni-funded grant projects.
According to Behari, the allegations formed part of an investigation involving more than R100-million in public funds.
Leope stressed that the allegations were nothing but an attempt to shift attention away from the ongoing inquiry.
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“I am deeply concerned that these allegations appear to be part of an attempt to divert attention from ongoing internal matters and personal accountability issues by creating false narratives involving respected public figures,” he wrote.
Leope stressed that while he would cooperate with any lawful investigation, he reserved his legal rights over what he described as defamatory claims.
He insisted that he has had no part in any kind of wrongdoing.
“Let me be clear: I have not participated in any illegal activity. I have not benefited from any improper conduct. I have not influenced any legal or administrative processes unlawfully. I have not colluded with any individual or institution inappropriately,” he wrote.
On Monday, Behari alleged that an internal disciplinary process involving former chief operating officer Lesiba Mojapelo had been abruptly halted when evidence began pointing to Nciza and Leope.
Behari told the commission that he encountered internal resistance when attempting to pursue further evidence.
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“I did not get instructions from the city manager; I got instructions from my HOD at the time and the HOD HR. Apparently, Nciza was close to him,” Behari testified.
He told the commission that the SIU probe had identified significant gaps, worsened by non-cooperation from municipal witnesses, and said he pushed internally for the two music executives to be called to testify.
Behari further suggested that his insistence on due process had contributed to professional backlash; and that his broader attempts to raise concerns on issues ranging from land acquisition to expenditure irregularities had routinely triggered pushback.
Leope ended his statement, calling on everyone to be cautious of allegations that have not been corroborated.
“I urge the public, media, and stakeholders to exercise caution, verify facts, and avoid amplifying unverified claims that serve only to mislead and harm innocent parties,” he wrote.
The Madlanga Commission continues its hearings this week.
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