Socialite allegedly withholding property
Controversial socialite Ronnie McKenzie has been slapped with a criminal charge for allegedly refusing his ex-girlfriend Kabelo Malapela access to her two double-cab bakkies and farm.
McKenzie, who is famous for his Open Politics WhatsApp group, allegedly locked the gates to Malapela’s farm in Magaliesburg, west of Johannesburg.
The WhatsApp group involves the who’s who of society including politicians and cabinet members like Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi,
Finance Minister Tito Mboweni, Speaker of Parliament Thandi Modise and Minerals and Energy Affairs Minister Gwede Mantashe.
Police spokesperson Mathapelo Peters confirmed that a case of use of a motor vehicle without owner’s consent had been opened at Magaliesburg police station against McKenzie.
“The case is of use of motor vehicle without owner’s consent. No suspect was or has been arrested. The case was not placed on the court [roll], pending the decision of the senior public prosecutor,” she said.
Malapela said she had been begging her ex-boyfriend to grant her access to her farm and return her bakkies, but McKenzie has allegedly been threatening her when she demanded her assets.
She said she had started living with McKenzie at her Midrand house after his baby mama threw him out of their home.
She later decided to take a loan to buy the 22ha farm in Magaliesburg.
“In 2015 I bought a farm and we were ready to move in by June. He only paid the R100 000 transfer costs.
“We had arranged that I would stay in Midrand because the children are schooling there and he would start a pig farm because he likes farming,” said Malepela.
“He started a meat distribution company, which I also helped fund but as our relationship developed we experienced problems and I was no longer happy with how things were going and I told him about my unhappiness.
“In 2017 he said he wanted a second wife. I didn’t understand how because we are not even married. I suggested an open relationship. That’s when he brought the woman to the farm claiming she was his business partner. What’s bizarre is that they [are] still staying together at the farm,” she said.
Malapela said McKenzie refused to leave the farm because he was used to the “nice life, but that was then and all that is over now. He says he will sue me”.
A livid Malapela said she was still paying R30 000 monthly for the farm bond. McKenzie could not be reached for comment .
By Boitumelo Kgobotlo
kgobotlob@sundayworld.co.za
Ronnie McKenzie, ex in spat over farm
