Sandton businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe was arrested at his home on Monday, July 21, 2025, in connection with the assassination of popular musician DJ Sumbody (Oupa John Sefoka). This arrest marks a significant development in the nearly three-year-old case.
Molefe, who was already out on bail for separate charges, is accused of orchestrating the murder alongside three alleged hitmen: Michael Pule Tau, Musa Kekana, and Tlego Floyd Mabusela. The group is also implicated in the 2024 killing of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart and the attempted murder of actress Tebogo Thobejane. Police have confiscated firearms believed to be connected to these crimes. Investigations suggest that possible underworld connections and business disputes may have been motives. The ongoing case continues to raise concerns about corruption and organized crime.
Speculation on DJ Sumbody’s Murder Motive:
While police have stated that the murder was a “well-planned hit” and investigations point to “possible underworld ties and business disputes as motives,” further speculation has emerged regarding the specific nature of these disputes.
- Ayepyep Lifestyle Lounge: DJ Sumbody was a co-owner of the popular Ayepyep Lifestyle Lounge in Cape Town. Reports have highlighted tensions between DJ Sumbody’s business partner and a suspected 28s gang boss, Ralph Stanfield, concerning the running of the business and the channeling of income. A Western Cape High Court order from April 2023 even banned Stanfield from the venue, suggesting significant internal conflicts. There have also been allegations of gangsters demanding protection money from the venue.
- Wider Underworld Connections: The investigation into DJ Sumbody’s murder has broadened, with ballistics reports allegedly linking firearms used in his killing to other high-profile shootings of artists in Gauteng, as well as the murder of Armand Swart. This suggests a potential connection to a larger criminal syndicate, possibly involved in drug trafficking and corruption, with tentacles reaching into various institutions, including law enforcement. Some reports have linked DJ Sumbody’s bodyguard, who was killed with him, to a security company founded by Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, further connecting the case to the alleged broader criminal network.
Timeline of Key Events:
- November 20, 2022: DJ Sumbody (Oupa John Sefoka) is gunned down in a hail of bullets in Woodmead, Johannesburg. Police describe it as a well-planned hit.
- October 2023: Actress Tebogo Thobejane is wounded in a shooting on the N1 near Sandton.
- April 17, 2024: Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart is shot and killed while seated in his vehicle outside his workplace. His murder is later linked to a Transnet tender fraud scandal.
- May 14, 2025: Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, Tebogo Thobejane’s ex-boyfriend, is arrested in Midrand in connection with the attempted murder on Thobejane. He is accused of orchestrating the hit and faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering.
- May 2025 (Date unclear): Tsakani Matlala, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s wife, is implicated and arrested in connection with the alleged plot to murder Tebogo Thobejane. She is later released on R20,000 bail.
- July 21, 2025: Katiso “KT” Molefe is arrested at his Sandton home in connection with DJ Sumbody’s assassination. Michael Pule Tau, Musa Kekana, and Tlego Floyd Mabusela are also implicated in DJ Sumbody’s murder. Musa Kekana and Tlego Floyd Mabusela are also charged with attempted murder in the failed hit on Tebogo Thobejane. Police seize firearms believed to be connected to these crimes.
