KT Molefe
The EFF has demanded urgent witness protection after Katiso “KT” Molefe, accused of leading a drug and tender syndicate and linked to the murders of DJ Sumbody and others, was granted R400,000 bail. The party condemned the ruling as lenient toward powerful criminals, warning it endangers witnesses. The NPA also expressed shock.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have called for the immediate protection of all witnesses and whistle-blowers involved in lifting the lid on the involvement of Katiso “KT” Molefe in the murder of DJ Sumbody and others.
This comes as Molefe was granted bail of R400,000 by the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Friday.
This ruling comes after Molefe, a figure believed to be at the helm of a drug and tender syndicate with connections to high-ranking officials, faces a series of murder charges linked to the November 2022 killings of DJ Sumbody, born Oupa John Sefoka, and his two bodyguards in Woodmead. Investigators have also cited Molefe’s involvement in the murder of another artist, DJ Vintos (Hector Buthelezi), further intensifying the scrutiny on his actions.
Investigating officers probing the high-profile case have also implicated him in the killing of DJ Vintos (Hector Buthelezi) in Orlando East the same year.
Despite the hefty bail and some strict bail conditions that include surrendering his passport, reporting to police three times a week, and avoiding contact with state witnesses, the EFF says it is concerned about the safety of witnesses, who could be targeted by the men said to have orchestrated and paid hitmen to murder DJ Sumbody and other victims.
EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said the party is alarmed by Molefe’s release, insisting that the State must “act decisively to protect those brave enough to come forward.” The party further argued that allowing someone accused of leading a violent criminal network to walk free while witnesses remain exposed is a “recipe for witness intimidation and obstruction of justice.”
“The EFF notes, with outrage, the decision by the Johannesburg High Court to grant R400,000 bail to crime kingpin, Katiso "KT" Molefe, overturning an earlier decision by the Alexandra Magistrate's Court which had rightly denied him release. The decision, coming while Molefe is already out on bail in another murder case, is an indictment of a judiciary that continues to show leniency to powerful criminal figures at the expense of public safety and justice," said party spokesperson, Sinawo Thambo.
The State has previously described Molefe as a dangerous individual with “no regard for human life,” alleging that he leads an organised crime ring linked to multiple killings. Investigators have also warned that some witnesses have already expressed fear for their safety.
Thambo added that this is not Molefe’s first crime, which should have been reason enough for the court to deny the serial offender bail.
“This is not Molefe’s first escape from incarceration through judicial indulgence. Earlier this year, the Deputy Judge President of the Pretoria High Court granted him bail in the Armand Swart murder case. The fact that Molefe now secures a second bail on appeal confirms the deep crisis within the judiciary that Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi warned of: a justice system captured, compromised, and increasingly protective of those with money and connections,” he added.
The EFF’s outcry comes amid growing concern about South Africa’s failure to protect whistleblowers, following the murder of Babita Deokaran, who died in a hail of bullets after flagging more than R850 irregular contracts at Tembisa Hospital in 2021.
On Friday, reacting to the bail ruling, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Phindi Mjonondwane, said they are shocked that the high court granted Molefe the R400,000 in spite of evidence that Molefe is a flight risk.
“We were not expecting such an outcome, however, as the NPA, we are taking it on the chin, but we are moving forward in terms of studying the judgment of the court to determine a crafty strategy in terms of dealing with the matter going forward,” said Mjonondwane.
Mjonondwane said the State, which had successfully opposed Molefe's bail at the Alexandra Magistrates Court, the Investigating Officer, and the State had done enough to bring out compelling evidence against Molefe.
"We believe that the Investigating Officer did a sterling job, working closely with the State prosecutor to present enough evidence and evidential material to show the court the seriousness of the offences that the accused are facing,” she added.
