High Court grants alleged kingpin Katiso ‘KT’ Molefe bail, NPA to study judgment

The Johannesburg High Court has granted controversial businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe bail of R400 000.

Molefe had challenged the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court’s earlier decision to deny him bail, arguing the lower court erred in finding he had not shown exceptional circumstances for release.

The 61 year old is accused of orchestrating the 2022 murders of popular musician and club owner DJ Sumbody — real name Oupa Sefoka — and his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza, in Woodmead in 2022.

Delivering a three-hour judgment on Friday, Judge Brad Wanless criticised the state’s case as relying on speculation and unproven facts before granting Molefe bail.

“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,” he said.

Molefe’s R400 000 bail adds to the R100 000 bail he previously paid at the Pretoria High Court in connection with the murder of engineer Armand Swart, where he also successfully appealed his bail denial.

He is charged alongside three alleged hitmen — Michael Pule Tau, Musa Kekana, and Tiego Floyd Mabusela — who remain in custody.

Under his new bail conditions, Molefe is restricted from leaving Gauteng, except for travel to Welkom in the Free State, for which he must notify investigating officers.

He must also report to the Morningside Police Station three times a week and is barred from contacting witnesses or applying for travel documents.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it will study the judgment before deciding on its next steps.

The NPA maintains that the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court correctly applied the law when it initially denied Molefe bail and says the investigation remains thorough and the case strong.

The NPA spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, added that they are also preparing for another bail appeal — this time by businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, whose bail was recently denied by the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court.

Molefe, Matlala, and their co-accused are expected back in Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on 11 November for the centralisation of additional dockets in their ongoing case.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe