State alleges KT Molefe a 'dangerous individual' tied to DJ Sumbody's murder, drug network

The Alexandra Magistrates’ Court has, for the first time, heard that controversial businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe is allegedly involved in the illicit drug trade, and that the killings of DJ Sumbody and DJ Vintos are linked to this underworld activity.

Molefe, who was arrested last month by the police’s political killings task team in Gauteng, appeared in court on Wednesday for a formal bail application. 

He is facing multiple charges including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

His three co-accused, Musa Kekana, Michael Pule Tau and Floyd Mabusela, have opted not to apply for bail. 

The state alleges that Molefe orchestrated the murder of DJ Sumbody, real name Oupa John Sefoka, who was gunned down in a hail of bullets in Woodmead, Johannesburg, in November 2022. 

His two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza, were also killed in the shooting.

Reading the affidavit of the investigating officer, State prosecutor Khethokwakhe Ngubane opposed Molefe’s bail, describing him as a dangerous individual with no regard for human life.

Ngubane said they have cellphone records as evidence, revealing communication between Molefe, Tau and Mabusela following DJ Sumbody’s murder. 

According to the investigating officer’s affidavit, WhatsApp messages suggest Molefe was responsible for arranging payments to the alleged hitmen.

Ngubane also added that there’s a public outrage, pointing to a widely circulated social media video raising concern over Molefe possibly being granted bail. 

“There’s a huge outcry from social media, with many fearing that his release on bail will impact the case,” said Ngubane.

Ngubane opposed Molefe’s bail application, describing him as a dangerous individual with no regard for human life.

Ngubane revealed that cellphone records show communication between Molefe, Michael Pule Tau and Floyd Mabusela following DJ Sumbody’s murder.

According to the investigating officer, the records indicate the hitmen were in contact with Molefe, and WhatsApp messages suggest he was expected to arrange payment for the killings.

He added that the lives of the investigating officers are at risk, and they are currently under 24-hour protection.

IOL News previously reported that the same AK-47 rifle used in DJ Sumbody’s killing was used in the murders of DJ Vintos, Armand Swart, and Don Tindleni, according to ballistic reports and police statements. 

Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, SAPS spokesperson, confirmed this connection outside court last week on Tuesday.

DJ Vintos, real name Hector Buthelezi, was shot dead outside a nightclub in Orlando East in March 2022. 

Tindleni was killed on the N1 highway near the N17 offramp in March 2023, while Swart was murdered in April 2024 in what police believe was a case of mistaken identity.

“Ballistics and other overwhelming evidence link the same suspects to all these murders,” said Mathe.

Meanwhile, advocate Michael Hellens SC, who was representing Molefe, told the court that his client had previously been granted bail by the High Court in a separate case involving the murder of whistleblower Armand Swart, setting a legal precedent.

In an affidavit read in court, Molefe detailed his arrest, claiming police arrived in a Nyala and began damaging his gate before he opened it to prevent further destruction.

He said he has been estranged from his wife since 2020 and is in an unstable relationship with another woman.

A former teacher, Molefe said he now runs several businesses and earns around R200,000 per month.

He said he owns a R17 million home in Sandhurst and a R3 million property in Winchester, he said. 

He also claimed to have sold several vehicles to cover his legal costs.

Molefe admitted to a previous conviction 20 years ago for importing cannabis into the United Kingdom under an alias. He was deported and banned from the UK. 

Despite this, Molefe maintained that he is not a flight risk and has no intention of fleeing or interfering with the investigation.

The bail application has been postponed to 15 August, when Molefe’s legal team is expected to file his responding affidavit and make further arguments.

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