A breakthrough three years in the making
In a dramatic turn of events, Sandton businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe has been arrested for allegedly masterminding the 2022 assassination of amapiano star DJ Sumbody — real name Oupa John Sefoka.
Molefe was arrested on Monday, July 21, in a joint operation between Gauteng Organised Crime Detectives and the SAPS Political Killings Task Team. Alongside him, three suspected hitmen — Michael Pule Tau, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, and Musa Kekana — were also taken into custody in connection with the fatal shooting that claimed the lives of DJ Sumbody and his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza, in a high-calibre ambush in Woodmead, Johannesburg.
The suspects now face three counts of murder and unlawful possession of firearms.
“The firearm recovered during the operation has been linked to multiple murders, highlighting the systemic nature of this violence,” SAPS spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe confirmed.
According to ballistics reports, the AK-47 rifle used to kill DJ Sumbody is linked to at least 10 other high-profile cases, suggesting that the murder was not an isolated incident — but part of a larger criminal network operating in and around Johannesburg.
From lotteries to lethal plots: Who is KT Molefe?
Molefe, a former Provincial Manager at the National Lotteries Board, has long been known in elite circles as a seasoned operator in trade, investment, and grants. Behind the scenes, however, he is now accused of using those very connections to command a murder-for-hire operation tied to political killings and whistleblower silencing.
He had previously been arrested and granted bail in June 2025, in connection with the murder of engineer Armand Swart, another case where the same weapons were used. On Monday, he was arrested again — this time, with damning new evidence tying him directly to DJ Sumbody’s killing.
Adding to the drama, City of Johannesburg Transport MMC and Patriotic Alliance deputy president Kenny Kunene was found at Molefe’s residence during the raid. According to reports, Kunene had arrived for a scheduled meeting and was not arrested but gave a statement to police before leaving.
Messages, meetings, and a ministry in crisis
Investigative documents reveal that in January 2025, Brown Mogotsi — an individual linked to state tenders — messaged Vusimuzi Matlala, sharing that the task team “bothering” Matlala had been disbanded following a meeting between Minister Senzo Mchunu and crime intelligence boss Shadrack Sibiya.
Screenshots shared with investigators show:
- Invoices exchanged between Matlala and Mogotsi;
- Discussions about a man referred to as “20,” who reportedly held a R3 billion SAPS contract;
- References to senior SAPS leaders, including DNCs and COOs, handling “Kumalo and Mkhwanazi matters.”
In March 2025, Sibiya, allegedly acting on Mchunu’s instructions, recalled 121 case dockets from the Political Killings Task Team — including those linked to DJ Sumbody’s murder.
More: Police Minister Senzo Mchunu implicated in justice system interference
“Justice on trial” — Presidency steps in
Amid growing public pressure, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Monday the suspension of South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Andrew Chauke, pending a formal inquiry into his fitness to hold office.
Statement: President Ramaphosa on commission of inquiry into legal interference
Ramaphosa cited concern that Chauke’s continued tenure “would negatively affect the reputation of the National Prosecuting Authority,” especially as allegations mount that prosecutorial delays may have protected key figures involved in the DJ Sumbody case.
The move follows months of tension after top cop General Mkhwanazi alleged resistance from within SAPS leadership to probe artists’ killings — including the assassination of rapper AKA in 2023.
READ:
▪️“I Had to Force It”: Mkhwanazi’s revelations on AKA’s murder probe
▪️Confirmed: AKA Fatally Shot Dead in Durban
EFF applauds the arrests
In a strongly worded statement, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) praised law enforcement for the arrests, saying:
“We commend Gauteng’s organised crime detectives and the Political Killings Task Team for their determined and methodical investigation, which has now resulted in the arrest of three suspected hitmen and the individual believed to have ordered the killing.”
Untangling the web
On Tuesday, July 22, all four suspects appeared at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, where Molefe’s bail application was postponed due to new evidence. He is currently being held at Kgoši Mampuru Correctional Centre in Tshwane.
The case resumes on July 29, as prosecutors continue piecing together what appears to be a multi-tiered conspiracy involving political protection, contract manipulation, and institutional sabotage.
For the family of DJ Sumbody, justice may finally be within reach — but the road to accountability is far from over.
