Johannesburg — Businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe, who faces multiple murder and conspiracy charges, has been granted R400,000 bail by the Gauteng High Court, overturning a previous decision by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court to keep him in custody.
The decision comes after Molefe filed a leave to appeal following the magistrate’s court’s August 20 ruling denying him bail. His appeal was heard on October 2, with judgment reserved at the time.
Delivering his ruling on Friday, Judge Brad Wanless said the state’s opposition to Molefe’s appeal lacked substance.
“Despite the serious nature of the alleged offences, there is no objective evidence before this court to show that should the appellant be granted bail, this would be in conflict with the provisions of the [Criminal Procedure] Act,” Wanless said.
He further stated that the magistrate “misdirected itself” in refusing bail, and therefore set aside the ruling.
Strict Bail Conditions Imposed
Judge Wanless ordered that Molefe pay R400,000 in bail, in addition to the R100,000 already granted by the Pretoria High Court in a separate case.
Under the new conditions, Molefe must:
Report to Morningside Police Station three times a week,
Remain within Gauteng, unless granted written permission to travel,
Notify the investigating officer in writing if travelling to Welkom, Free State, for business,
And avoid all contact with state witnesses.
Link to Multiple Murder Cases
Molefe’s legal troubles stem from a series of high-profile murder cases that have shocked South Africans.
He was arrested on 22 July 2025 for the 2022 murder of popular musician and nightclub owner DJ Sumbody — real name Oupa Sefoka — and his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza, who were gunned down in Woodmead, Gauteng.
At the time of that arrest, Molefe was already out on bail for an earlier murder case — the killing of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart in April 2024, who was allegedly mistaken for another target.
Further Charges and Co-Accused
Molefe also faces additional charges related to the murders of Hector Buthelezi, popularly known as DJ Vintos, and Don Tindleni, both fatally shot in separate incidents in 2022 and 2023.
He is being tried alongside three co-accused:
Michael Pule Tau, a former police detective,
Musa Kekana,
And Tiego Floyd Mabusela,
All four face charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of illegal ammunition.
Organised Crime Allegations
Molefe’s name surfaced earlier this year when KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi mentioned him during a press briefing on organised crime and explosives on 6 July 2025.
Mkhwanazi alleged widespread criminal infiltration of South Africa’s justice system, pointing to businessmen such as Molefe and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who also faces attempted murder charges.
Further testimony before the Madlanga Commission has since linked Molefe to a powerful criminal cartel known as the “Big Five.” The syndicate is allegedly involved in drug trafficking, tender fraud, and contract killings, with deep ties across provincial networks.
Public Reaction and Legal Outlook
While Molefe’s release has reignited public debate on South Africa’s bail system, legal experts argue that the court’s decision is in line with constitutional safeguards ensuring the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
However, critics warn that the decision could undermine public confidence in law enforcement, especially in cases involving violent crime and alleged corruption.
The trial date for Molefe and his co-accused is expected to be set later this year, as investigations into his alleged ties to organised crime continue.
