Molefe remains in custody as court reserves judgment in bail appeal

Controversial businessman, Katiso ‘KT’ Molefe, accused of orchestrating the murder of popular musician Oupa “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka, will remain behind bars after the Johannesburg High Court reserved judgment in his bail appeal.

Molefe approached the court today in a bid to overturn an August ruling by the Alexandra Magistrates Court, which denied him bail.

He faces five counts of murder, including the 2022 killing of nightclub owner Oupa John Sefoka, known as DJ Sumbody, along with his two bodyguards, Armand Swart and Hector Buthelezi, known as DJ Vintos.

After nearly a year behind bars, the 61-year-old is challenging his bail denial, arguing that the magistrate’s ruling was legally flawed.

His lawyer, Michael Hellens, told the court that the state’s case is based largely on speculation, including unproven claims that Molefe is linked to an organised crime syndicate, poses a flight risk, and was involved in a contract killing.

Hellens also dismissed the state’s reliance on cellphone data, saying it was insufficient to justify denying bail. He noted that Molefe did not flee when previously granted bail in the Swart matter.

He expressed confidence that Judge Brad Wanless, would take a more balanced approach than Magistrate Renier Boshoff.

The defence further argued that Molefe is both willing and able to meet strict bail conditions, including paying between R100,000 and R200,000 and reporting regularly to the police.

However, the state pushed back, arguing that when Molefe was arrested in December 2024, his bags were packed for Hong Kong—suggesting he may have been preparing to flee due to developments in the case.

Prosecutor Elize le Roux, added that house arrest would be impractical, given Molefe’s own admission that his business requires him to travel frequently.

Hellens countered that Molefe was preparing for a holiday at the time and rejected claims that his client wields the influence or resources to evade trial.

He acknowledged that Molefe could face a lengthy prison term if convicted but stressed that bail should not be used as a form of pre-trial punishment.

Molefe remains in custody at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre, after the court indefinitely postponed the matter.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe