DJ Sumbody
Katiso Molefe, accused mastermind behind multiple contract killings including DJ Sumbody’s murder, has been granted R400,000 bail by the Johannesburg High Court. The ruling overturns a previous denial despite concerns over his alleged role in ordering hits. Molefe must report regularly to police and avoid contacting witnesses.
Katiso Molefe, the mastermind accused of ordering multiple hits on some of the country’s key DJs was on Friday granted R400,000 bail by the Johannesburg High Court. This comes after Molefe appealed an earlier ruling by the Alexandra Magistrates, which had cited his involvement in a spate of contract killings, payment of hitmen hits and the possibility of fleeing the country as some of the reasons given for the refusal.
Judge Brad Wanless handed down the ruling on Friday, stating: “The order granted in the regional court of Gauteng, held at Alexandra, whereby the appellant’s application for bail was dismissed, is set aside and is substituted with this order.”
This ruling comes as KZN Provincial Commissioner, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and his senior, National Commissioner, had decried the granting of bail to accused with previous crimes and convictions. Some of the crimes associated with Molefe include being the mastermind behind the alleged murders of DJ Sumbody and his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza.
In August, the NPA welcomed the Alexandra Court’s ruling, denying Molefe bail, who is facing murder charges for allegedly orchestrating the hit on popular musicians Oupa Sefoka and Hector Buthelezi, popularly known as DJ Sumbody and DJ Vintos, respectively.
Some strict conditions, including refraining from interfering with witnesses and reporting regularly at the Morningside Police Station, were imposed as part of the conditions.
“The appellant is granted bail in the amount of R400,000. This amount is in addition to the bail granted by the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, in the sum of R100,000.” Under the bail conditions, Molefe must report to the Morningside Police Station every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 6 am and 6 pm.
He also remains restricted from traveling outside the SA borders. He is, however, allowed to travel to Welkom, Free State, for business purposes after informing the investigating officer. “The appellant shall not interfere or communicate with any state witnesses referred to in the indictment, either directly, indirectly, or through third parties,” Judge Wanless said.
