Convicted fraudster Jermaine Prim due to be sentenced

Convicted fraudster and inmate Jermaine Prim is due back in the Palm Ridge Commercial Crimes Court on Monday for sentencing.

Prim drew widespread attention over the weekend after a television interview featuring him aired on Saturday.

During the telephonic interview, he made a series of allegations against Minister of Sports Gayton McKenzie, including claims linking him to the drug underworld.

The Department of Correctional Services has launched an investigation, saying the unauthorised interview may point to a breach of internal controls.

Prim’s fraud conviction relates to a 2018 case, separate from four others yet to be finalised.

He was arrested nearly eight years ago while on parole.

His parole was then revoked by Correctional Services after he violated his parole conditions.

McKenzie has denied all allegations, including claims he helped facilitate Prim’s access to communication.

McKenzie said that he has never met Prim in person, adding that he contacted him in 2022, offering marketing assistance for the Patriotic Alliance (PA).

He said he believed him to be a member of the public, not an inmate.

Meanwhile, Prim’s name also surfaced at Parliament’s South African Police Service (SAPS) ad hoc committee earlier in March.

In a letter, he claimed he shared a cell with alleged crime boss Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala and discussed serious matters with him.

Prim further alleged he has a voice recording linking McKenzie to drug dealers and illicit funds.

Article by Nkosikhona Malinga-Mnisi.