Judgment has been reserved in the high-profile bail application of Katiso “KT” Molefe, a businessman embroiled in controversy, as the Johannesburg High Court heard the case on Thursday. Molefe, accused of masterminding the 2022 murders of popular musician DJ Sumbody, whose real name was Oupa John Sefoka, and his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza, is seeking to overturn a previous denial of bail by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court in August.
Alongside Molefe, three alleged hitmen—Michael Pule Tau, Musa Kekana, and Tiego Floyd Mabusela—are also facing serious charges, including the murders of DJ Sumbody and Hector “DJ Vintos” Buthelezi, who was shot dead in a brazen attack outside a nightclub in Orlando East, Soweto, in March 2022. Each of the accused is currently in custody, with charges encompassing three counts of murder, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition, all connected to the same criminal incidents.
During the proceedings, Advocate Michael Hellens, representing Molefe, argued for his client’s release on the grounds that there are weak justifications for keeping him behind bars. “He should be released because we are in a democratic state,” Hellens stated firmly. He further contended that the State had not established a compelling case against Molefe and highlighted his prior release on similar charges involving the killing of engineer Armand Swart, where he was granted R100, 000 bail in June by Acting Gauteng Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba.
“Judge Ledwaba considered the personal circumstances surrounding the case,” he continued, asserting that the State has not demonstrated a strong case for Molefe’s continued detention. “KT is not even a flight risk. He abided by his bail conditions and was arrested at his home in Sandhurst—there’s no indication that he would flee.”
In contrast, State prosecutor Elize Le-Roux provided a stark portrayal of the evidence against Molefe and his co-accused, asserting that the prosecution’s case predominantly hinges on WhatsApp messages exchanged among the suspects. Le-Roux presented evidence revealing that shortly after DJ Sumbody was assassinated, Accused 1, Tau, made no fewer than eight frantic attempts to contact Accused 4, Kekana. “Immediately thereafter, WhatsApp conversations about payment followed,” Le-Roux underscored, arguing that this evidence illustrates the seriousness of the offences committed.
“I submit that the accused should not be released, and that their application for bail must be dismissed,” she concluded.
As the hearing came to a close, Judge Brad Wanless reserved judgment, indicating that he will announce the date for his ruling in due course. Notably, Molefe was absent from the courtroom, leaving his legal team to advocate on his behalf.
