Judgment Reserved in Katiso ‘KT’ Molefe’s
Judgment has been reserved in businessman Katiso ‘KT’ Molefe’s bail appeal at the Johannesburg High Court on 2 October 2025. The alleged underworld kingpin, accused of orchestrating hits on popular entertainers DJ Sumbody and DJ Vettos in 2022, appealed the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court ruling denying him bail. The state argues ballistic evidence ties firearms linked to Molefe to multiple high-profile contract killings, painting him as a key figure in a dangerous syndicate. During the hearing, Molefe’s legal team accused the state of relying on speculation, while prosecutors highlighted cash flows and phone records as evidence of his involvement.
This case has gripped the nation, with Molefe facing serious charges that could see him spend years behind bars if convicted. The 61-year-old’s appeal centres on claims that the magistrate’s decision was flawed, ignoring his compliance with previous bail conditions and basing denial on weak inferences. As South Africa grapples with rising organised crime, this matter underscores the challenges in tackling extortion and murder networks. This article explores the appeal arguments, background on the charges, and broader implications for justice in the country.
Molefe’s Arrest and the Charges Against Him
Katiso “KT” Molefe was arrested in July 2025 at his Sandton home, accused of masterminding several murders as part of a broader criminal operation. He faces four counts of murder and four counts of conspiracy to commit murder, linked to the deaths of DJ Sumbody (real name Oupa John Sefoka) and his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza, who were gunned down in Woodmead, Johannesburg, on 20 November 2022. Molefe is also charged in the killing of DJ Vettos (Hector Buthelezi), shot outside a Soweto nightclub in Orlando East in March 2022.
Additionally, Molefe and his co-accused—Michael Pule Tau (55), Musa Kekana (35), and Tiego Floyd Mabusela (47)—face charges for the murder of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart on 17 April 2024, in a case of mistaken identity. Swart was killed outside his workplace at Q Tech Engineering Company, with the intended target believed to be a whistleblower colleague. The group is further linked to the murder of Don Tindleni, shot in his BMW on the N1 near the M17 off-ramp in March 2023.
All these crimes are tied to alleged drug trafficking activities, including contract killings and extortion. Firearms seized from the co-accused—an AK-47 and three pistols—have been ballistically connected to 18 murder and attempted murder cases, strengthening the state’s position.
Molefe, previously out on R100,000 bail for another murder charge granted by Acting Gauteng Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba in June 2025, remains in custody at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria. His co-accused have not applied for bail, and the group is scheduled to return to the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on 11 November 2025.
Testimony from SAPS crime intelligence head Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry revealed Molefe and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala as members of the “Big Five” cartel, a syndicate involved in drug trafficking, contract killings, cross-border hijackings, kidnappings, tender fraud, and money laundering.
Magistrate’s Reasons for Denying Bail
On 20 August 2025, Alexandra Magistrate Renier Boshoff denied Molefe bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and the risk of him absconding. Boshoff highlighted Molefe’s circle of influence and capabilities, stating there were “very concerning aspects” linking him to the crimes. He concluded that Molefe failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances warranting release, emphasising the potential for life imprisonment on premeditated murder charges.
The magistrate noted inconsistencies in Molefe’s defence and the strength of the state’s case at that stage, including cash flows suggesting involvement in criminal activities. This ruling formed the basis for Molefe’s appeal to the Johannesburg High Court.
Key Arguments in the High Court Appeal
During the appeal hearing before Judge Brad Wanless on 2 October 2025, Molefe’s legal team, led by Advocate Laurence Hodes, argued that the magistrate’s judgment was riddled with errors and based on speculation. They contended:
- The state failed to provide concrete evidence linking Molefe to the murders, relying instead on inferences from phone records and cash deposits without proper investigation.
- References to “KT” or “Papa” in communications were not proven to refer to Molefe, and his team provided alternative explanations, such as nicknames used by others.
- The magistrate ignored a prior High Court bail grant in a related murder case, where Molefe complied with conditions despite facing life imprisonment.
- Cash deposits into Molefe’s accounts were legitimate business transactions, not linked to crimes, and the state did not probe their origins.
- A 20-year-old UK drug conviction was irrelevant, and the magistrate mischaracterised it as fraud.
- Molefe posed no flight risk, as evidenced by his arrest at home and lack of attempts to evade justice.
Hodes described the state’s case as “non-existent,” built on “speculation from a speculative foundation,” and urged the court to grant bail with conditions like surrendering his passport.
State prosecutor Elise Laroux countered that the evidence painted a clear picture of Molefe as the mastermind. She argued: - Phone communications and cash flows showed Molefe’s role in orchestrating the hits, with large sums moving in ways consistent with criminal payments.
- The murders followed a similar pattern, suggesting a syndicate operation, and it did not take “an academic” to see the connections.
- Molefe’s influence made him a danger to society and a flight risk, with means to flee via his resources.
- Cash payments avoided paper trails, explaining the lack of direct links, but the overall evidence was strong enough to deny bail.
Laroux maintained that Molefe remained a threat, insisting he stay behind bars.
Judge’s Comments and Reserved Judgment
Judge Brad Wanless reserved judgment, stating it would be communicated to the parties later. He engaged both sides on key points, such as travel history and evidence weight, noting the need for a balancing act. Wanless questioned the state’s claims on Molefe’s trips and the evidential value of affidavits versus oral testimony, indicating a thorough review.
The reservation means no immediate decision, with an outcome expected soon. If bail is granted, Molefe could be released with strict conditions; if denied, he remains in custody until trial.
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