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The Citizen
6 hours ago
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: DJ Sumbody case guns used in 10 other hits
Here's your daily news update for Tuesday, 22 July 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. News today includes the firearms used in the murder of South African artist Oupa John Sefoka, known as DJ Sumbody, have been linked to other high-profile cases, according to police. Meanwhile, at the foot of each of Johannesburg's claustrophobic concrete towers are the men and women who keep the city ticking over. Furthermore, Absa, one of South Africa's banking giants, is once again making headlines for its questionable ways of handling internal scandals. Weather tomorrow: 23 July 2025 Parts of South Africa will experience cold weather, scattered showers, and a disruptive rain warning for KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. Firearms used in DJ Sumbody's murder linked to 10 other high-profile cases The firearms used in the murder of South African artist Oupa John Sefoka, known as DJ Sumbody, have been linked to other high-profile cases, according to police. Four men — Sandton businessman Katiso 'KT' Molefe, former police detective Michael Pule Tau, Musa Kekana and Tiego Floyd Mabusela — appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. DJ Sumbody during the 25th South African Music Awards at Sun City in Rustenburg on 1 June 2019. Picture: Gallo Images/Lefty Shivambu They were arrested on Monday by members of the political killings task team and Gauteng organised crime detectives from the South African Police Service (Saps). CONTINUE READING: Firearms used in DJ Sumbody's murder linked to 10 other high-profile cases NPA dealt another blow in Omotoso case Judge Irma Schoeman has dismissed the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) application for clarification on the acquittal of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho. The NPA returned to the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in Gqeberha on Tuesday, where the ruling was made. Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso appears at the Gqeberha High Court on 22 January 2024. Picture: Gallo Images/Die Burger/Lulama Zenzile Judge Schoeman stated that the state was not entitled to clarification of the judgment. CONTINUE READING: NPA dealt another blow in Omotoso case Crime in Johannesburg: The reality of doing business in the CBD At the foot of each of Johannesburg's claustrophobic concrete towers are the men and women who keep the city ticking over. For those outside the city, the smothering buildings cast intimidating shadows, but at street level, attitudes grow harder daily. Commissioner Street in Johannesburg, 22 July 2025. Picture: Jarryd Westerdale. Desensitised to the lingering threat of crime, business is conducted on streets not so much crumbling, but simply stripped of their value by those acting with relative impunity. CONTINUE READING: Crime in Johannesburg: The reality of doing business in the CBD 'Same as Phala Phala' – Police committee member not optimistic about Mchunu investigations The portfolio committee on police and the portfolio committee on justice and constitutional development officially adopted their report, recommending to the National Assembly that an ad hoc committee be established to consider allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The committees held a joint meeting on Tuesday, during which they agreed that an ad hoc Committee was the most effective parliamentary mechanism for fully investigating Mkhwanazi's allegations. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Picture: GCIS The report further proposed that the National Assembly establish the committee within three months. CONTINUE READING: 'Same as Phala Phala' – Police committee member not optimistic about Mchunu investigations Is Absa on a witch-hunt? 'Leakers' placed on leave Absa, one of South Africa's banking giants, is once again making headlines for its questionable ways of handling internal scandals. The bank has quietly placed senior managers accused of leaking company information on leave of absence. Picture: iStock The bank initiated disciplinary action against these individuals in May, following a report that confirmed the leak. CONTINUE READING: Is Absa on a witch-hunt? 'Leakers' placed on leave Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Minister Nkabane fired | Tariff hike paused after Thembisa protest | Junior Boks back in SA
News24
10 hours ago
- General
- News24
SAA lends helping hand to FlySafair amid pilot strike
Jacques Stander/Gallo Images Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Show Comments ()
The Citizen
12 hours ago
- The Citizen
Firearms used in DJ Sumbody's murder linked to 10 other high-profile cases
The four men arrested are also connected to the murder of slain engineer Armand Swart. DJ Sumbody during the 25th South African Music Awards at Sun City in Rustenburg on 1 June 2019. Picture: Gallo Images/Lefty Shivambu The firearms used in the murder of South African artist Oupa John Sefoka, known as DJ Sumbody, have been linked to other high-profile cases, according to police. Four men — Sandton businessman Katiso 'KT' Molefe, former police detective Michael Pule Tau, Musa Kekana and Tiego Floyd Mabusela — appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. They were arrested on Monday by members of the political killings task team and Gauteng organised crime detectives from the South African Police Service (Saps). The suspects face charges including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of illegal ammunition in connection with Sefoka's death. Molefe is believed to have ordered the hit, while his three co-accused allegedly carried it out. Sefoka was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting in Woodmead, Gauteng, on 20 November 2022. His two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza, were also killed at the scene. DJ Sumbody murder case postponed Following the court appearance on Tuesday, Phindi Mjonondwane, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Gauteng, indicated the case has been postponed to 29 July, with Molefe expected to bring a bail application. 'As the state, we were yet ready to proceed. We are finalising the investigation in terms of the bail application that must be heard by the court. 'So we have been granted that opportunity as the state to conclude those investigations which will include amongst others profiling of the accused who wants to bring the formal bail application,' she told the media. ALSO READ: Police make breakthrough in Ekurhuleni auditor Mpho Mafole's murder Mjonondwane also revealed that Molefe will be held separately from his co-accused at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria. 'The prosecution working together with the investigating officer concluded that it will be best for him to be separated from the other accused who are in Johannesburg prison, also known as Sun City, and the other is at Modderbee Correctional Centre.' She confirmed the state intends to oppose Molefe's bail application. Firearms used to kill DJ Sumbody linked to other murders Molefe, Kekana, Tau, and Mabusela are also implicated in the murder of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart, who was shot 23 times outside his workplace on 17 April 2024. It is believed the attack was a case of mistaken identity. The intended target had reportedly exposed a Transnet tender price inflation scandal. Swart's murder led to the arrest of the four accused. Molefe was the only one granted bail of R100 000 – after the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria overturned a lower court's denial. READ MORE: Police probe triple murder and attempted double murder in Gugulethu National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, said Kekana, Tau, and Mabusela were arrested on the same day Swart was killed. Four firearms – three pistols and one AK-47 – were seized by the police. 'Those firearms have been in custody since. They were immediately seized and taken for ballistics testing. Those three hitmen were arrested on that particular day,' she said. Mathe explained that when the political killings task team joined the investigation in December 2024, a second round of ballistics tests confirmed the firearms were used in Sefoka's murder, resulting in Molefe's arrest as well. 'At this stage, all those four firearms, including the one AK-47, are linked to at least 10 high-profile cases that include murder as well as attempted murder, but we will not discuss those cases as yet,' she told reporters on Tuesday. She also addressed concerns over delays regarding Sefoka's case. 'There are cases that are easy to solve, there are those that are complex and that require time, and I think DJ Sumbody's case is one of those cases that required time because it required that we piece evidence together.' Tebogo Thobejane attempted murder case Mabusela and Kekana are also suspects in the attempted murder of actress and influencer Tebogo Thobejane. Thobejane sustained injuries after her vehicle was ambushed and shot at in October 2023 on the N1 highway near Sandton. Her former partner, controversial businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, was arrested in connection with the incident, along with his wife Tsakani, who was later released on R20 000 bail. Matlala, Mabusela, and Kekana remain in custody. Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala and his wife Tsakani Matlala appear at Alexandra Magistrate's Court on 11 July 2025. Picture: Gallo Images/Sharon Seretlo A fifth suspect, Nthabiseng Nzama — the daughter of one of the hitmen — has since also been arrested. Mjonondwane confirmed that a 23-year-old woman has been charged with money laundering. 'She will join the rest of the group on the 26th of October 2025 when the matter returns to court.' The NPA declined to provide details regarding her involvement in the Thobejane case at this stage. 'Much of that information will be made clear in court. This was just a first appearance. 'We are yet to hear whether or not she wishes to bring a bail application or not; so that information can only be divulged during that stage,' Mjonondwane said. Fate of the political killings task team Meanwhile, Mathe was also questioned about the future of the political killings task team amid controversy surrounding Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who is currently on special leave. KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged earlier this month that Mchunu ordered the task team's disbandment to protect politically-connected crime syndicate members. Among Mkhwanazi's other claims was that Mchunu had ties to Matlala, who had been awarded a now-terminated R360 million police contract. A commission of inquiry will be established to investigate the allegations, as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa. According to Mathe, the political killings task team is handling historical cases. 'I can confirm that the political killings task team is working on old cases. It has not been taking on new cases.' She added that the commission of inquiry into Saps would determine the future of the task team. NOW READ: Hitman sentenced to life for murder of ANC councillor Zakhele Khuzwayo
News24
12 hours ago
- General
- News24
Mkhwanazi corruption allegations prompt plan for ad hoc committee on police crisis
Gallo Images/Beeld/Deaan Vivier Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Show Comments ()
The Citizen
20 hours ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Why mass deportation is failing SA's immigration system
Deportations are draining resources without solving immigration challenges. It's time to rethink our approach. Suspects in custody at the China Plaza Mall this month at Umbilo in Durban. It is reported that some companies hire illegal immigrants instead of local workers. Picture: Gallo Images Minister Leon Schreiber's budget speech in the National Assembly recently was rich in energy, statistics and digital reform promises. Yet, it was preceded by two quieter signals: a sobering portfolio committee report on budgetary pressures and Schreiber's own estimate, in February, that the department would have to 'make do with what it has'. Schreiber invoked the logic of compound interest to illustrate how smart, sustained action can yield exponential returns. However, if deportations are the investment and deterrence the return, then the department appears to be compounding inefficiencies, not public value. In a year marked by an unprecedented surge in deportation numbers, the question is not whether home affairs is working harder – as it clearly is – the question is whether it's working smarter. Does investing in mass deportations still make budgetary and policy sense, even to those who support the politically charged, somewhat frustrated, optics and xenophobic populism of groups like Operation Dudula, ostensibly in the name of preserving scarce public resources for South Africans? Home affairs allocated R897 million to its immigration affairs programme in the 2024-25 financial year. A significant portion of this is dedicated to enforcement: detentions, deportations and border management. ALSO READ: Reports of SA man arrested in US as eSwatini welcomes immigrants deported from US Lindela Repatriation Centre alone costs R6 million per month, or R70 million per year, and this is just to detain individuals prior to deportation. Schreiber reported that the department 'deported over 46 000 illegal immigrants, the highest number in five years and more than countries like France and Germany combined'. This dramatic operational scale should give rise to serious questions about sustainability. In its official reply to the parliamentary committee, the department confirmed that deportation-related expenditure for the full 2024-25 fiscal year was reported at R73 million. Against this expenditure, the reality remains that the estimated number of undocumented or fraudulently documented foreigners is not just highly vague, but often miscalculated and politically weaponised. Estimates range from a conservative one million, to higher estimates of over three million, and inflated figures up to six million. ALSO READ: Greece freezes asylum claims over migrant 'invasion' from Libya Whichever figure one accepts, deporting 69 000 people per year means addressing only a fraction of that population annually. This risks remaining an endless loop of ineffective, reactive policy that burns public funds without shifting the underlying dynamic. What if we were to imagine a different approach? One grounded not in fear and reaction, but in revenue, data integrity and constitutional accountability. What if we dared to imagine a two-year amnesty programme: undocumented migrants, or those holding fraudulent documents, coming forward voluntarily to undergo background and biometric checks, and for a temporary determined period of time to be granted an exemption against the payment of a nominal fee – for instance, a processing fee of R1 500 per person. Such fee to be payable to the department over and above the service fees otherwise applicable if the programme were to be administered via VFS Global, as was done with the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit process, plus a biometric fee. If even half of the cautiously estimated one million undocumented migrants applied, the department would raise R750 million in direct revenue. ALSO READ: Bus driver arrested after transporting nearly 80 undocumented Zimbabweans Full uptake could easily generate R1.5 billion over two years, more than enough to self-fund the programme, build biometric records, clear long-standing backlogs and allocate human resources more efficiently across departments. The programme could break even or even yield a surplus, particularly if digitised infrastructure is used. While deportations drain resources and create logistical bottlenecks, an amnesty has the potential to generate revenue, improve compliance and restore trust. An amnesty-driven regularisation effort would enable the state to capture biometric and identity data on hundreds of thousands of individuals currently operating outside the legal system. This foundational layer of information is essential to any system of immigration governance based on integrity, accountability and national security. Second, such a programme would help identify and isolate fraud syndicates through forensic vetting processes. ALSO READ: Politicians dangle immigration control as election bait Third, it would give the department institutional breathing room to focus on sustainable, digitised, rule-based migration governance. It would also free up public resources. An amnesty would signal a fundamental shift: that immigration control in South Africa is not just about keeping people out, but about governing the presence of those already here in a rational, rule-based way. This is not a plea for porous borders. It is a call for budgetary logic and long-term strategy. Deportation has its place, especially where criminality or risk is involved. But when used as a blanket policy response to a decades-old systemic failure, it becomes expensive and futile.
