KT Molefe
Businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe is set to challenge his bail refusal in the Johannesburg High Court on Thursday, 3 October 2025, as confirmed by National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane. The state is opposing the appeal, which will be heard at 2pm before Judge Brad Wanless.
This comes after the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court denied Molefe bail on 20 August 2025, citing the seriousness of the charges and the risk of him fleeing. Molefe, accused of masterminding multiple high-profile murders, remains in custody at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria. Recent revelations from the Madlanga Commission have linked him to the notorious Big Five drug cartel, adding layers to a case that has gripped the nation. As South Africa grapples with rising organised crime, Molefe’s legal battle highlights the challenges in prosecuting influential figures tied to syndicates involved in drugs, killings, and fraud.
Molefe’s appeal follows a string of arrests and court appearances, with his alleged role in a web of criminal activities drawing scrutiny. The case not only involves tragic losses like that of popular musician DJ Sumbody but also exposes potential ties to broader networks undermining public safety. If successful, the appeal could see Molefe released on bail, but the state’s opposition signals a tough fight ahead.
Charges Against Molefe: Mastermind of Multiple Murders
Molefe (61) is charged together with three alleged hitmen. They are Michael Pule Tau (55), Musa Kekana (35), Tiego Floyd Mabusela (47).
The four men are facing charges of three counts of murder, two counts of unlawful possession of firearm and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition in connection with the murders.
Molefe is accused of being the mastermind of the 2022 murders of DJ Sumbody, and his two bodyguards. The bodyguards are Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza.
DJ Sumbody, Mokoena and Myeza were shot and killed by unknown men while travelling in their cars on the midnight of November 20 2022. The incident happened on the corner of Woodmead and Woodland drives in Sandton, Johannesburg.
Apart from Molefe, the three other accused have not brought a bail application.
All four accused remain in police custody. Molefe is kept at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria.
The four accused return to Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on November 11.
Molefe and co-accused have been charged with the murder of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart. Swart was shot and killed outside his workplace in Vereeniging on April 17 2024.
Swart worked at Q Tech Engineering Company based in Vereeniging. He was shot and killed when the alleged hitmen mistook him for another employee who is a whistleblower.
Molefe was granted R100, 000 bail in the Swart matter in June by Acting Gauteng Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba.
Molefe and co-accused are also charged with the murder of musician Hector “DJ Vintos” Buthelezi. He was shot and killed in a hail of bullets in March 2022 outside a nightclub in Orlando East, Soweto.
National police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said DJ Vintos was killed by unknown men driving in a BMW X3.
Tau, Kekana and Mabusela have also been charged with the murder of Don Tindleni. Police are still looking for the mastermind behind the murder of Tindleni.
Mathe said Tindleni was shot and killed in March 2023 on the N1 near the M17 off ramp. He was in his BMW 5 Series.
Mathe said the firearms used to kill DJ Sumbody, Mokoena, Myeza and Swart, are the same firearms that killed DJ Vintos and Tindleni.
She said after Swart’s murder in April last year, police arrested Tau, Kekana and Mabusela. Police seized four firearms from the three accused during their arrests – an AK47 and three pistols, said Mathe.
She said the four firearms were positively linked to the murders of Swart, DJ Sumbody and his bodyguards, DJ Vintos and Tindleni.
These interconnected killings point to a coordinated effort, with Molefe allegedly at the helm. The use of the same weapons across crimes strengthens the case against the group, suggesting a professional hit squad operation.
Madlanga Commission Revelations: Links to Big Five Drug Cartel
Meanwhile, South African Police Service (SAPS) crime intelligence boss Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry this week that there is a “Big Five” drug cartel in South Africa that operates nationally and internationally. He said the “Big Five” drug cartel, which consists of five individuals, has its head office in Gauteng.
Khumalo said attempted murder-accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and Molefe are members of the drug cartel.
He said the cartel also deals in contract killings and cross-border vehicle hijackings. Also kidnappings, tender fraud, and extortion mainly related to drug trafficking.
Khumalo’s testimony at the Madlanga Commission described the Big Five as a powerful syndicate with ties to political figures and involved in a range of crimes, from drug trafficking to assassinations. He linked Molefe and Matlala to the group, alleging they recruit based on expertise in illicit trades. This revelation adds a layer of organised crime to Molefe’s charges, suggesting his alleged hits may tie into broader cartel operations.
The commission, probing corruption in the justice system, has heard how such syndicates infiltrate police and delay prosecutions. Khumalo’s evidence, including WhatsApp messages, points to “special relationships” protecting cartel members.
Bail Denial and Appeal: Court’s Reasoning
On August 20 2025, Molefe, who is accused of the murder of music producer and club owner Oupa John Sefoka, also known as DJ Sumbody, was denied bail by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court.
In delivering his judgement on Molefe’s bail application, magistrate Renier Boshoff said the charges and counts that Molefe is facing are serious and increases the likelihood of him absconding his trial.
Boshoff said Molefe failed to put exceptional circumstances that he should be granted bail.
“As I have highlighted, there are a number of very concerning aspects not only linking the applicant to the crimes but also regarding his circle of influence and capabilities. His application for bail is refused,” said Boshoff.
Molefe’s appeal argues the magistrate erred in assessing flight risk and exceptional circumstances. The state counters, citing evidence of his influence and the gravity of charges. If granted bail, conditions like reporting and travel bans are likely.
Public Reactions and Speculation on Social Media
Social media is abuzz with discussions on Molefe’s case, with many linking him to the Big Five cartel exposed by Khumalo. Posts question his business ties and friendships, like with Patriotic Alliance deputy Kenny Kunene, who was at Molefe’s house during a raid.
Users express outrage over the murders, calling for justice for victims like DJ Sumbody and Armand Swart. Some speculate on cartel connections, with threads detailing Matlala and Molefe’s alleged roles.
Comments like “KT Molefe will talk bese uyanya nyi” reflect scepticism and calls for transparency. The case has fueled debates on crime syndicates’ reach into politics and business.
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