NPA
Johannesburg – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has voiced strong disappointment after the Johannesburg High Court granted controversial businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe R400,000 bail on Friday, 10 October 2025. Molefe, 61, had been denied release by the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court in August, but the high court overturned that ruling, saying the state failed to prove he poses an exceptional risk.
NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said in a statement that Molefe’s circle of influence and resources make him more capable of dodging justice or meddling with witnesses. He faces five murder charges linked to the 2022 Woodmead shooting that killed popular musician Oupa “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka and his bodyguards Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza. This decision has sparked widespread outrage, with many fearing for witness safety amid Molefe’s alleged ties to organised crime syndicates in Gauteng.
The bail comes with strict rules to curb risks, but critics like the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) call it reckless, pointing to a deeper crisis in the judiciary. As South Africa battles rising gang violence, this case highlights ongoing worries about how powerful figures seem to slip through the system, leaving ordinary people vulnerable.
Background on Molefe’s Charges and Arrest
Katiso Molefe was arrested in July 2025 by the SAPS Political Killings Task Team for allegedly masterminding a series of contract killings. He is accused of orchestrating the 2022 murders of DJ Sumbody, his bodyguard Hector Buthelezi (DJ Vintos), Sibusiso Mokoena, and Sandile Myeza, plus another victim. Prosecutors say Molefe leads one of Gauteng’s “Big Five” crime syndicates, involved in drugs, extortion, and hits targeting rivals in taxis, construction, and entertainment.
Firearms seized from Molefe have been linked to 18 other criminal cases, including attempted murders and assassinations. He also faces charges for illegal possession of guns and ammo. This is not his first brush with the law – Molefe was out on R100,000 bail in the 2024 murder of engineer Armand Swart when arrested for the Sumbody case. Authorities portray him as a dangerous kingpin whose operations span multiple provinces, preying on businesses and communities.
High Court Overturns Magistrate’s Denial with Strict Conditions
The Alexandra Magistrates’ Court had refused bail in August, calling Molefe a flight risk and threat to witnesses due to his alleged influence. Molefe appealed, and Judge Brad Wanless ruled that the lower court got it wrong. The high court found that, on balance, Molefe proved exceptional circumstances do not exist to keep him locked up, despite state fears.
To ease concerns, the court set tough bail terms: Molefe must give up his passport, report twice a week to a police station, avoid all contact with witnesses or co-accused, and not leave Gauteng province without permission – except for business in Welkom, Free State, where he must notify the investigating officer first. These steps aim to stop tampering or fleeing, but the NPA argues they fall short given Molefe’s resources.
This marks Molefe’s second bail win on appeal this year, raising questions about consistency in handling serious crime cases.
NPA’s Strong Reaction and Plans to Appeal
In their media statement, the NPA said they are disappointed, noting Molefe’s influence makes him more likely to interfere or evade trial. “The State argued that the appellant has a circle of influence and resources, making him more capable of evading justice or interfering with witnesses,” spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane wrote. They stressed the court found Molefe proved, on balance, that no exceptional risks exist to warrant detention.
The NPA vowed to study the judgment and consider an appeal, saying they respect the ruling but remain committed to justice through a fair trial. Mjonondwane added that Molefe maintains the charges are baseless, but the state is ready to prove its case.
Public Outrage and EFF’s Condemnation
Social media lit up with anger over the bail, with users calling it a spit in the face of justice and fearing for witnesses. One post said: “Katiso Molefe was out on bail when he got arrested for the murder of Dj Sumbody… Now today he is out on 400k bail meaning he is out on 2 bails now??” Another: “Giving Katiso KT Molefe bail is like spitting on Gen Lt Mkhwanazi’s face and South Africa.”
The EFF issued a fiery statement, calling the decision reckless and a sign of a captured judiciary. They demanded protection for witnesses and cautioned against similar leniency for Molefe’s associate Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. The party highlighted South Africa’s bail crisis, with over 16,000 absconders yearly, saying it turns the system into a tool for criminals.
Legal experts like Christiaan Small defended the conditions as strict, noting authorities can monitor Molefe closely. But anti-crime groups worry it endangers lives and lets syndicates thrive.
Molefe’s Alleged Ties to Organised Crime
Molefe is accused of leading a “Big Five” syndicate in Gauteng, involved in drugs, extortion, and hits. His guns link to 18 cases, including the N1 highway murder of Don Tindleni and attacks on influencers like Tebogo Thobejane. Associates like Matlala face similar scrutiny in hospital tender fraud.
KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has warned of Molefe’s dangers, tying him to multiple homicides and fronting schemes. The EFF echoed this, saying his release threatens witnesses and communities.
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