IRRESPONSIBLE GRANTING OF BAIL TO CRIME KINGPIN KATISO “KT” MOLEFE

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA 

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

IRRESPONSIBLE GRANTING OF BAIL TO CRIME KINGPIN KATISO “KT” MOLEFE 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes, with outrage, the reckless decision by the Johannesburg High Court to grant R400,000 bail to crime kingpin Katiso “KT” Molefe, overturning an earlier ruling by the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court which had rightly denied him release. This 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. 

Molefe is accused of masterminding the 2022 murders of popular music producer and nightclub owner DJ Sumbody and his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza. He faces multiple charges including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Firearms seized from his operations have been forensically linked to 18 other criminal cases, including attempted murders and assassinations. He was arrested in July 2025 by the SAPS Political Killings Task Team, yet continues to manipulate the justice system to secure his freedom. 

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. Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo of Crime Intelligence has testified before the Madlanga Judicial Commission that Molefe, along with businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, lead a cartel known to be part of the “Big Five” and involved in contract killings, drug trafficking, cross-border hijackings, tender fraud, and extortion. Yet, despite such serious allegations, and despite the state’s evidence linking him to multiple homicides, the courts have chosen to release him back into society. 

This undermines every principle of justice and endangers the lives of witnesses, whistleblowers, and police officers working on these cases. The EFF demands that all witnesses and whistleblowers connected to Molefe’s cases be placed under immediate state protection. 

Their lives are at grave risk while a man accused of leading one of South Africa’s most dangerous syndicates walks free. History has shown that witnesses in politically or criminally sensitive cases are often silenced through intimidation, disappearance, or murder when protection is not guaranteed. 

The EFF further cautions against the imminent bail appeal hearing of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, Molefe’s associate. Granting bail to another alleged syndicate leader will amount to a complete surrender of the state’s authority and will place entire communities at risk. These individuals have the means, networks, and influence to obstruct justice, tamper with evidence, and continue orchestrating violent crimes while awaiting trial. 

The leniency shown to Molefe must also be viewed against the backdrop of South Africa’s disturbing bail crisis. Over 16,000 offenders abscond bail every year, many of whom go on to commit further crimes. Yet, the judiciary continues to release dangerous and well-connected suspects and it is the poor, the working class, and the victims of violence who pay the price. 

The EFF will continue to stand with victims, whistleblowers, and communities terrorised by organised crime. We will not remain silent while the justice system becomes a weapon of privilege for the very criminals it should punish.  

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA