Alleged crime boss Katiso Molefe to face High Court over DJ Sumbody killing

Alleged crime boss Katiso Molefe to face High Court over DJ Sumbody killing

Alleged crime kingpin Katiso “KT” Molefe is set to appear in the Gauteng High Court on Thursday, facing a slew of charges tied to the murder of popular DJ Oupa “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka. Molefe, 61, will appear alongside three co-accused, Michael Pule Tau (55), Tiego Floyd Mabisela (45), and Musa Kekana.

The case, which was initially postponed by the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court in December 2025, has now been transferred to the High Court due to the gravity of the allegations, marking the first appearance in Johannesburg’s top court.

A high-profile murder linked to organised crime

DJ Sumbody, a well-known figure in Johannesburg’s music scene, was shot dead on 20 November 2022 in Woodmead. Prosecutors allege that Molefe orchestrated the killing, with forensic evidence linking the high-calibre rifles used in the attack to other high-profile murders, including those of DJ Vintos (Hector Buthelezi), Don Tindleni, and Armand Swart.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has emphasised its commitment to pursuing accountability. “The NPA remains steadfast in ensuring justice is served, diligently pursuing all individuals implicated in serious and organised crime,” said spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.

Molefe and his co-accused face 35 charges, ranging from murder and conspiracy to commit murder to unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, all of which are connected to an alleged network targeting DJs and other high-profile individuals in Johannesburg.

Bail and legal proceedings

In October 2025, Molefe was granted bail of R400,000 by the High Court, following the dismissal of an earlier application in the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court. The State had argued that Molefe’s influence and resources posed a risk of evading justice or interfering with witnesses.

However, the court determined that “exceptional circumstances” warranted his release on bail, provided certain conditions were met. Despite the bail decision, the NPA reiterated that the charges remain serious and are linked to organised crime.

The “Big Five” cartel connection

Crime Intelligence has previously identified Molefe as a key figure in Johannesburg’s criminal underworld. Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, speaking to the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry into corruption and criminal infiltration of the justice system, named Molefe and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala as alleged leaders of the so-called “Big Five” cartel.

This syndicate is accused of orchestrating multiple criminal networks involved in contract killings, drug trafficking, vehicle hijackings, tender fraud, and extortion, highlighting the complex and organised nature of the alleged crimes.

Public reaction and context

The murder of DJ Sumbody shook Johannesburg’s entertainment and nightlife circles, drawing widespread attention on social media, where fans mourned the loss of a beloved DJ. The case has renewed public scrutiny of organised crime networks operating in Gauteng, and the High Court proceedings are being closely watched by both the public and the media.

Experts note that the centralisation of the case in Johannesburg reflects the seriousness of the charges and the need to streamline evidence and witness management for a high-stakes trial.

What’s next

Thursday’s appearance will set the stage for a complex trial that could span months, given the volume of evidence, multiple defendants, and the connections to wider organised crime networks.

For now, Gauteng remains focused on ensuring the legal process runs its course, balancing the demands of justice for DJ Sumbody and his family with the procedural rights of the accused.