High Court Set to Rule on Molefe’s Bail Appeal
Johannesburg is bracing for the next chapter in one of South Africa’s most closely watched criminal cases. Katiso “KT” Molefe, 61, the businessman accused of masterminding the 2022 murders of music producer DJ Sumbody and his bodyguards, is back in court appealing a bail denial.
Previously, the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court refused Molefe’s bail on 20 August 2025, citing his failure to demonstrate exceptional circumstances warranting release. Magistrate Renier Boshoff said:
“Considering all relevant facts and circumstances before the court… the applicant failed to put forward exceptional circumstances justifying his release on bail.”
The State opposes the appeal, which will now be argued before Judge Brad Wanless.
A Trail of Alleged Crimes
Molefe faces an array of serious charges, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. He is accused alongside three alleged hitmen: Michael Pule Tau, Musa Kekana, and Tiego Floyd Mabusela.
The 2022 killing spree in Woodmead claimed the lives of DJ Sumbody (Oupa John Sefoka) and bodyguards Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza. Investigators also link Molefe to the 2024 mistaken identity murder of Armand Swart, along with several other violent incidents.
At the time of his arrest in July 2025, Molefe was already out on bail for a separate assassination case, raising concerns about flight risk and public safety.
Cartel Ties Come to Light
During hearings at the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo identified Molefe and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala as alleged leaders of the notorious “Big Five” cartel.
The commission is probing corruption, political interference, and criminal infiltration within South Africa’s justice system. Khumalo explained that these cartels exploit weaknesses in state institutions to operate with relative impunity:
“Each cartel is led by a central figure supported by a leadership core and smaller operational units, often involved in drug trafficking, cross-border vehicle hijackings, tender fraud, and extortion.”
Firearms Linked to a Growing List of Crimes
Police investigations have tied an AK-47 and two pistols seized from Molefe’s network to 18 criminal cases, ranging from attempted murders to multiple high-profile killings:
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Attempted murder of taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni (August 2022)
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Murders of DJ Sumbody, Mokoena, and Myeza (November 2022)
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Murder of Don Tindleni (March 2023)
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Mistaken identity killing of Armand Swart (April 2024)
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Attempted murder of DJ Vetties
Authorities note that the AK-47 allegedly used in the attempted murder of actress Tebogo Thobejane has not yet been recovered, and further links to Molefe and Matlala are under investigation.
“Previously, we were looking at 10 cases. That number has since increased to 18,” said SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
Public and Social Media Reaction
The Molefe case has captivated South Africans, particularly as social media highlights concerns over cartel influence and internal sabotage within law enforcement. Legal analysts warn that the High Court’s decision will weigh not only procedural arguments but also the gravity of Molefe’s alleged criminal network.
As the appeal unfolds, all eyes remain on Johannesburg, with the nation closely following developments in one of the most notorious crime stories in recent memory.
Source: Joburg ETC
Featured Image: X{@tndaba}
