DJ Sumbody murder: Here's why Katiso ‘KT' Molefe thinks he should get bail
Controversial businessman Katiso 'KT' Molefe insists that being charged with murder should not automatically disqualify him from being granted bail.
Molefe appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate's Court on Wednesday for his formal bail application.
The alleged mastermind was arrested alongside three hitmen in connection with the murder of South African artist Oupa John Sefoka, widely known as DJ Sumbody.
Sefoka and his bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza, were gunned down in a hail of bullets in Woodmead, Gauteng, in November 2022.
Katiso Molefe linked to more murders
At the time of his arrest for Sefoka's killing, Molefe was out on R100 000 bail after the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria overturned a lower court's decision to deny his release.
He had initially been arrested in connection with the murder of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart, who was shot 23 times outside his workplace on 17 April 2024.
The businessman has also recently been charged in connection with the murders of Hector Buthelezi, known as DJ Vintos, and Don Tindleni.
Buthelezi and Tindleni were fatally shot in separate incidents in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Not a flight risk
During Wednesday's proceedings, Molefe's affidavit – read out by his lawyer, Advocate Michael Hellens – revealed personal details to support his bail application.
Molefe stated that he is 61 years old and a former teacher.
He owns a R3 million home in Winchester Hills, bought with his estranged wife, and a second property in Sandhurst – purchased for R12 million and now valued at R17 million – where he lives with his three sons.
'I've lived in the Greater Johannesburg area for my whole life and have strong physical, familial, and emotional ties to this area.
'All of my most important business and family ties are in Gauteng and the Free State,' Molefe said.
ALSO READ: Firearms used in DJ Sumbody's murder linked to 10 other high-profile cases
He further argued that he has no intention of fleeing, pointing out that he has already surrendered his passport to the police.
'The passport will expire on 7 July 2032. I've only travelled beyond the borders of South Africa within the past five years to Hong Kong, China, and several times to Swaziland.
'As far as relatives outside of Republic of South Africa are concerned, my daughter lives in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, but we, unfortunately, do not have a strong bond,' the affidavit reads.
Katiso 'KT' Molefe appeared at the Alexandra Magistrate's Court on Wednesday as his bail application continued. He was arrested last month in connection with the murders of #DJSumbody and #DJVintos. Video by @nigelsibanda#TheCitizenNews pic.twitter.com/pKcxCDdRAw
August 6, 2025
'I submit that it should be clear, as I have confirmed that my intention is to remain in the Republic of South Africa and I do not intend in daring to live the life of a fugitive from justice, as such a prospect is simply unthinkable in the circumstances.
'I have no such expectation. I have nowhere to go. I have no other person to be. I have no other home and I have no other way of existing. I, therefore, submit that I'm not a flight risk.'
Katiso Molefe's family responsibilities and business interests
Molefe disclosed that although he and his wife have been separated since 2020, they are still legally married. They share four children.
He has three additional children with one woman and a son with another based in Durban, bringing his total number of children to nine, including the daughter living in the UAE.
'I'm responsible for the maintenance of all the minor children and also contribute to their adult needs as and when it becomes necessary.'
READ MORE: Two more murder cases linked to suspects in DJ Sumbody killing
He revealed that he earns a cumulative income of R200 000 from his business activities spanning financial insurance, real estate, vehicles, logistics and construction.
Molefe also owns a Mercedes SL600 worth R400 000, a V-Class Mercedes valued at R1.8 million, and a 2023 Range Rover worth R1.2 million.
'I actually recently sold the V-Class Mercedes in order to pay for legal fees and to pay for bail.'
Request for bail and previous conviction
Molefe asked the court to grant him a 'reasonable' bail amount, stating he could sell additional assets if needed.
He also highlighted that he had previously been granted bail despite facing a serious charge.
'The Pretoria High Court [found] that exceptional circumstances has existed for my release on bail, not withstanding the fact that I've been charged with the count of murder.'
The accused further indicated that he was fully aware of the possible sentence that could be imposed for murder.
READ MORE: DJ Sumbody's murder exposes connection between crime and power
'I'm also aware that one only has one life to live from the perspective of the sentence in the powers of the courts.'
Molefe argued that while he has no prior convictions in South Africa, he does have a criminal record in the United Kingdom (UK) for importing marijuana.
'I committed that crime 20 years ago using an alias.'
He was deported and banned from entering the UK.
Intention to plead not guilty
Meanwhile, Molefe stated his intention to plead not guilty to all charges, claiming the state's case is weak.
'There appears to be practically nothing upon which my arrest was based.'
He assured the court he would not interfere with witnesses or the investigation.
'I have been up on bail for approximately a month. There is and will be no evidence that at any stage did I interfere with any investigation, witness or evidence.
'Nor did I do so prior to my arrest on the previous occasion, or whilst the incarcerated pending bail.
'I further submit that I have no access to evidentiary material held by the investigating officer and there is no likelihood I would interfere with the investigation of the case.'
Molefe also requested that his bail conditions remain the same as those previously imposed by the Pretoria High Court.
The state, however, argued that Molefe is a dangerous individual who poses a threat to society
The bail application has been postponed to 14 August.
NOW READ: DJ Sumbody's family welcomes the arrests of suspects and thanks police
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
Mystery deepens as family of missing man pleads for police action
Quinton Bradley Plaatjies. Image: Supplied Five years after a 54-year-old employee of the Department of Correctional Services took early retirement and received a payout worth millions, only to never be seen again, his sisters have said the case has gone cold despite CCTV footage obtained of a woman and man who used his bank card and his vehicle. The family revealed that R100 000 had vanished from their brother, Quinton Bradley Plaatjies's bank account. In 2021, a year after his disappearance, the family made a public appeal for help via the Cape's Cold Cases, Weekend Argus. Plaatjies went on early retirement in 2019, after being employed at the Department of Correctional Services in Somerset East, where he worked for over 35 years. Plaatjies received a payout of close to R4 million left his home prior to October 2020 to visit relatives in Nysschen Street in Bethelsdorp in Gqeberha, and was never seen again. His brand new Ford Ecosport, which he paid cash for, was found abandoned on November 7, 2020, outside Beer Shack in Beach Road, Gqeberha. Items such as his false teeth were also left behind and his car was handed over as part of evidence. The Hawks was also roped in to assist with the investigation. Plaatjes's sister, Georgina Sammy, said they were appealing for police to utilise the video footage they obtained shortly after his disappearance, which showed a woman dressed in hijab and a man, who had masks covering their faces, using his bank card at an ATM where R100 000 was withdrawn. The transaction took place between October and November 2020 near Bethelsdorp in Gqeberha. Plaatjes's bank account was also frozen. 'We as the sisters of Quinton, we strongly feel let down by the police,' Sammy said. 'In the past three years we have heard nothing about the case. 'The lady in the footage was seen withdrawing the R100 000 out of the bank card, we do not know if she was interviewed. 'We had a tip-off that she was in Uitenhage, named Noomfie. 'The Hawks detective, I questioned him whether she was found and questioned and that she held the key to the mystery of my brother. 'Where did she get the cards from my brother? 'What happened with the interrogation? 'We were told to stay quiet.' Sammy added that their brother's bank account remained frozen and that vehicle was still in the possession of the police. 'They said they are on the case and that we must leave the case in their capable hands. 'What happened to my brother's car and when can it be released? 'What about the money in his account which was frozen? 'They said the leads ended in Uitenhage. 'There is footage of a man and woman, why can't it go viral and if someone recognises her? 'What about the DNA found on the steering wheel of his car?" Chaz Thomas from Track n Trace Missing Persons Unit, who has been assisting the family for the past five years, said they understood the family's frustrations. 'DNA tests were also taken from the sisters and nothing came from that after five years,' she said. 'There have been no significant leads and he cannot just have vanished off the face of the earth. 'We hope that someone somewhere sees him and comes forward.' Previously, Brigadier Thandi Mbambo of the Hawks said they had assisted with information with the case while the Eastern Cape police added that the case was at a sensitive stage and confirmed that the vehicle had been found abandoned. New queries were sent to the Hawks and Eastern Cape police and awaits feedback. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- The Citizen
It costs taxpayers between R800 and R1 000 a month to feed an inmate
Correctional services spent R455.6 million in 2025/26 on food supplies in the 2025/26 quarter compared to R363.6 million from April to June of 2024/25. It costs South African taxpayers R800 to R1 000 a month to feed an inmate in correctional facilities under a new contract system for catering services. Minister of Correctional Services Pieter Groenewald recently acknowledged complaints from the public about supposedly high prices on bread items under the newly awarded contracts. According to parliamentary data provided by Groenewald's office, monthly feeding costs per inmate ranged from R614 to R993 in 2024/25. This increased to between R839 and R1 016 in 2025/26 for the months April to June. The highest monthly cost recorded was R1 015.98 per inmate in April 2025. Inmate food spending breakdown shows varied patterns Correctional services spent R363.6 million on food supplies in the quarter from April to June of 2024/25, compared to R455.6 million in the corresponding 2025/26 period. The spending patterns varied significantly across different food categories. In 2025/26, groceries represented the biggest expenditure at R205 million, followed by meat, poultry and fish, costing R98.9 million. Bread and baked products cost R94.4 million, while fruits and vegetables totalled R49.3 million. Milk and dairy products cost R7.4 million, with baby and speciality foods at R534 262, and eggs at R67 068. The 2024/25 pattern differed notably, with meat, poultry and fish leading at R128.6 million, followed by groceries at R117.9 million. Bread products now cost R71.8 million, fruits and vegetables R37.5 million, milk products R7.2 million, baby foods R329 242 and eggs R256 819. ALSO READ: Two police officers shot dead while transporting prisoner Contract award criteria under scrutiny EFF MP Nontando Nolutshungu raised concerns about the tender process in parliament, questioning whether price competitiveness and value for money were properly assessed. The minister referenced the evaluation criteria outlined in an attached report. Mandatory requirements for tender bidders to be considered include: Delivery vehicle; Business premises; Financial capacity; Delivery commitment letter; and Pricing schedule. Some bidders did not meet these requirements. 'Bidders who did not submit/meet all the above mandatory requirements were disqualified from further evaluation,' Groenewald said. Nolutshungu's parliamentary questions also sought information about internal audits and investigations into pricing discrepancies. The minister confirmed that investigations had been conducted, leading the department to renegotiate certain contract items. ALSO READ: Prisoners and ghosts claim overtime: meet SA's worst-run province Procurement system changes The previous procurement system relied on quotation processes from various suppliers for both perishable and non-perishable food items. This approach was replaced with a centralised tender system involving specific contracted service providers. Monthly costs per inmate showed fluctuations during 2024/25, starting at R992.57 in April, dropping to R729.76 in May and reaching R614.36 in June. Under the new system in 2025/26, costs began at R1 015.98 in April, decreased to R917.99 in May and settled at R838.95 in June. The inmate population remained relatively stable, averaging around 155 000 in 2024/25 and 164 000 in 2025/26. Department response and renegotiations The minister acknowledged that complaints about high bread prices had been brought to his attention. In response to concerns about cost containment, accountability and prevention of procurement irregularities, the department indicated it was renegotiating existing contracts. It did not disclose specific measures for better cost containment and accountability in future procurement processes. READ NEXT: Operation Dudula demands release of members detained at Diepkloof police station
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- The Citizen
Alleged hitmen deposited large sums after DJ Sumbody, and DJ Vintos' killings
Alleged hitmen Michael Pule Tau, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, and Musa Kekana, accused of the 2022 murders of DJ Sumbody and DJ Vintos, allegedly deposited large sums of cash into their accounts shortly after the killings, according to an affidavit presented by State prosecutor Khethokwakhe Ngubane. This was during Katiso 'KT' Molefe's bail hearing in the Alexandra Magistrates' Court on August 6. The court also heard detailed evidence implicating Molefe in orchestrating the alleged hits. Read more: Murder-accused Katiso Molefe to appear in court for bail application DJ Vintos was fatally shot in Orlando East in March 2022. DJ Sumbody and his bodyguards were gunned down in Woodmead in November 2022. The prosecution said that Molefe, referred to as 'K' or Tau's boss 'Alpha' in communications, was, as referred to in the affidavit, the 'middleman' who facilitated the payment for the hits. The affidavit further stated that WhatsApp messages between Mabusela and Kekana after DJ Sumbody's shooting allegedly show Tau was instructed to call 'K' to arrange payment. The prosecution alleged that Tau was in constant communication with Molefe. On November 25, Tau allegedly deposited R100 000 cash into his account. Mabusela and Kekana allegedly made cash deposits into their accounts as well. Months earlier, after DJ Vintos' murder, his photo was allegedly shared between Tau and Mabusela. The prosecution said that in a message, Tau reportedly told Mabusela, 'I have been talking to Alpha, he is very happy. He will see us after work.' That day, Mabusela deposited R10 000 cash into his account, followed by an additional R56 000 three days later. The State alleges these communications indicate Molefe's role as the middleman, but Molefe denied the allegations through his advocate, Michael Hellens SC. Presenting Molefe's affidavit, Hellens challenged the State's evidence, asserting that Molefe is neither 'K' nor 'Alpha.' 'I deny that I am Tau's boss [Alpha]. I also deny having knowledge of any discussion which did not include me,' Molefe's affidavit stated. 'I am not known as 'K', nor can it be said that persons were communicating with me.' He further argued that the J50 arrest warrant mentions his name, but only under the assumption that he is 'K ', and he denies that claim. The court postponed Molefe's bail hearing to August 15 to allow the defence to respond to new information in the State's affidavit that was not included in the J50 form. Tau, Mabusela, and Kekana, who have not applied for bail, remain in custody until their appearance on September 18. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
