Reformed former convict Gayton McKenzie is said to have “captured” a key department in the City of Johannesburg, purged senior officials and installed his allies in crucial city-owned organisations that control billions in taxpayers’ money.

McKenzie’s party, the Patriotic Alliance (PA), emerged as a kingmaker when it entered into a coalition with the ANC after mayor Herman Mashaba resigned last year. The Sunday Times has seen a video in which McKenzie boasts about the takeover, and says: ‘‘I do not play with power.’’ ..