Latest news with #ArmandSwart
News24
29-07-2025
- News24
DJ Sumbody assassination: Katiso Molefe, co-accused linked to two other murders
Sandton businessman and three others linked to the 2022 killing of Oupa 'DJ Sumbody' Sefoka, as well as to the assassinations of DJ Vintos and engineer Armand Swart. Police tie recovered firearms used in the murders, marking a significant breakthrough in a complex investigation. Bail hearings for the suspects are set for 6 August, with investigations continuing to uncover further developments. Notorious Sandton businessman Katiso Molefe, implicated in the killing of popular musician Oupa 'DJ Sumbody' Sefoka, has been linked by police to two other high-profile assassinations, alongside his co-accused. Molefe and alleged hitmen Michael Tau, Musa Kekana and Tiego Mabusela appeared in the Alexandra Magistrates' Court on Tuesday in connection with the November 2022 killing of Sefoka. The case was postponed to 6 August for all the accused to apply for bail. Sefoka was fatally shot in Woodmead in what appeared to be a targeted attack. The ambush also claimed the life of another individual and left a third person wounded. Speaking after the adjournment of court proceedings, SA Police Services spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said police have linked the AK47, which was used in Sefoka's murder, as well as the three pistols found in connection with the Armand Swart case, to the killing of Victor Buthelezi, popularly known as DJ Vintos. Our investigations have now brought us to this point, where we are linking the AK47 as well as the three pistols that were found in the Armand Swart case to the killings of DJ Vintos, Athlenda Mathe Since the incident, police have maintained a level of discretion regarding the investigation, withholding details about possible motives or the events leading up to the shooting. However, the recent arrest of the four suspects is viewed as a significant development in a lengthy and complex investigation. The investigation remains active and further updates are expected as the case progresses. According to the police, the alleged hitmen were involved in the murder of Swart, who was killed in April last year. Kekana and Mabusela have also been linked to the attempted murder of former Muvhango actress Tebogo Thobejane. When the case was postponed two weeks ago, the National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the state was finalising the investigation in terms of the bail application that must be heard by the court. 'As the state, we were not yet ready to proceed,' Mjonondwane said then. 'So, we have been granted that opportunity as the state to conclude those investigations, which will include, among other things, profiling of the accused who want to bring the formal bail application,' she added.
The South African
22-07-2025
- The South African
Firearms linked to DJ Sumbody murder tied to 10 more high-profile cases
Police have linked the firearms used in the murders of DJ Sumbody and his bodyguards to at least 10 other high-profile criminal cases. Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that one of the weapons was also used in the killing of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart. Mathe said that the same suspects in the DJ Sumbody murder case were also the suspects in Armand Swart's case. DJ SUMBODY'S ALLEGED KILLERS ARRESTED It is alleged that two of the four suspects are linked to the attempted murder of Tebogo Thobejane. The four suspects, aged between 45 and 60, were arrested on Monday, 21 July. The popular DJ was brutally shot and killed on 20 November 2022 in Woodmead, Johannesburg. Investigators believe three of the suspects acted as hitmen, while the fourth suspect allegedly ordered the hit on DJ Sumbody. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has welcomed the breakthrough, calling it significant and a step toward providing closure for the affected families. 'Well done to the teams that have been piecing together evidence since November 2022. This is the culmination of hard work and a firm commitment to justice,' said Masemola. He added that the case was complex and required investigators to take their time to ensure a thorough investigation and build a strong prosecution case. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
News24
11-06-2025
- News24
Manhunt intensifies for ex-Transnet employee allegedly behind whistleblower hit
A whistleblower report about a 4 500% Transnet Freight Rail tender markup is believed to have triggered a murder plot that claimed the life of an innocent father of two. Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart was shot 23 times in a case of mistaken identity after his company exposed procurement fraud. Former Transnet employee Lucky Molefe remains a fugitive for his alleged role in the hit, while police uncovered a sophisticated crime network, allegedly involving a police detective turned hitman. For secure, anonymous communication with News24's investigations team, click here. Police are hunting for Lucky Molefe – a former Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) employee wanted for the brazen whistleblower hit in April last year – who has been on the lam for more than six months. He is sought for the murder of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart, who was gunned down outside his workplace when alleged hitmen mistook him for another employee. Swart was shot 23 times. His slaying came two weeks after the Vaal-based engineering company discovered a simple spring - no larger than a finger – which they produced and sold for R3.20 had then been sold on to Transnet with a price tag of R152. With the state-owned freight and logistics company buying a consignment of 8 000 of these springs, what should have been a R25 000 purchase morphed into one of more than R1.2 million. After reporting the 4 650% price surge, one of the company's managers was marked for death. Swart – a father of two – was collateral damage. Cold-blooded In a statement released on Wednesday, police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Vincent Mukhati said a warrant for Molefe's arrest had been issued. 'An intensive investigation led by the SAPS Head Office Organised Crime team and Crime Intelligence led to the arrest of four suspects, including the one who was suspected to be behind the plot to murder Swart,' he added. Supplied 'Molefe has been in hiding since December 2024, and police have been searching for him. He is warned to hand himself over at the nearest police station.' Molefe is one part of a greater network of businesspeople and alleged contract killers. It is alleged that he was the inside man in Swart's murder. Sources with knowledge of the investigation, who spoke to News24 on condition of anonymity, alleged that Molefe had manipulated the procurement system to inflate the price of the bid. When Swart's employer reported the price surge, and he was questioned, Molefe had a hand in setting the murder plot in motion. Murder value chain On the day of Swart's murder, police traced and arrested alleged hitmen Michael Pule Tau, Musa Kekana, and Tlego Floyd Mabusela. Tau was a career policeman and a detective stationed at the Johannesburg Central police station, while Kekana and Mabusela have previously been described as 'career criminals with a demonstrated history of violent behaviour'. Molefe's uncle, Katiso 'KT' Molefe, was then arrested in December. When his home was raided, police found critical documentation, including invoices from the SK Group, an entity police allege was used as a front. Examining money flows, the investigating team was able to plot movement of funds to members of the Molefe family. Rosetta Msimango/News24 Beyond this murder, the probe and raid on his home 'uncovered and collected masses of evidence' relating to Swart's murder and to 'other similar murders which have been linked to the same accused', according to the investigating officer's affidavit filed with court in opposition of bail. 'The group defines the very nature of an organised crime structure, with the individuals ranked according to power and ruthlessness, money obtained through a multitude of criminal activities laundered via businesses and assets, the utilisation of law enforcement members for criminal activities, intelligence gathering and protection against prosecution, and an abundance of illegal weapons, used to execute anyone who attempts to stand in the way of their racketeering activity,' she added. Fired Molefe absconded from work on the same day that police arrested his uncle, and his last contact with Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) was on 9 December last year. 'Transnet conducted in-depth investigations into the matter whilst also working closely with the SAPS in support of the criminal investigation. The outcome of the internal investigation recommended that a range of charges be brought against the employee. Charges were compiled by Transnet, with the employee going absent without leave before the charges could be served. As indicated, Transnet has terminated his services. All payments associated with his employment are being withheld,' TFR said in response to questions. Molefe has been employed in the supply chain management section at TFR since 2017. He was disciplined for a similar offence in 2021 and given a verbal warning. Other killings Kekana and Mabusela have also been charged with the attempted murder of actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane, who survived an attempted hit in October 2023. They are charged alongside controversial tender don Vusimusi Cat Matlala, who is alleged to have initiated the hit on Thobejane, his former lover.
