As Malcolm X spent the first night in the comfort of his bed in five days, he said he has Kenny Kunene to thank for it.
The businessman-turned-politician paid Malcolm X’s R10 000 bail at the Alexandra magistrate’s court on Thursday.
Malcolm X and three police officers appeared in court on two counts of corruption or extortion. They pleaded not guilty to charges and the matter was postponed to November.
After they were granted bail, Malcolm X said he was surprised to learn that Kunene had paid his bail without alerting him.
“I was waiting for my accountant to bring my cards or cash to pay up, but the officer of the court came to fetch me saying ‘Kenny Kunene paid your bail and you are free to go home’,” he said.
He said Kunene explained that he opted to bail him out as a way of paying back for the philanthropic work that Malcolm X does for others.
Malcolm X, who is famous for randomly giving away stashes of cash to students, was arrested on Saturday following an operation by the Hawks.
Implicated in corrupt activities
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said Malcom X and his co-accused are alleged to have participated in corrupt activities when they solicited gratification to the tune of R580 000.
“This was for a complainant to avoid arrest,” according to NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.
“It is alleged that three officials went to the complainant’s residence to enquire about her passport and thereafter alleged that it contained fraudulent immigration stamps.
“They later arrested her and during questioning, the trio allegedly demanded R2-million for her release. Malcolm X was the alleged middleman in facilitating the payment.”
The complainant gave in and R580 000 was agreed to, and the complainant was released.
A case of corruption was reported to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation and after completion of the investigation at the weekend, the Hawks’ serious corruption unit effected the arrest.
