Investigation reveals high-level underworld feud, drug cartel links, and a hit ordered by a businessman tied to organized crime
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| chilling look into a music icon’s fall at the hands of a deadly criminal network. |
More than two years after the brutal murder of beloved South African entertainer DJ Sumbody (real name Oupa John Sefoka), a major breakthrough has been made in the investigation. Authorities have confirmed the arrest of four men linked to his assassination a killing now believed to have stemmed from a violent underworld feud over missing drug cargo.
A Premeditated Hit, Not Random Violence
Sefoka and two of his bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza, were gunned down in a hail of bullets on November 20, 2022, in Woodmead, Johannesburg. Initial reports suggested a possible robbery or random ambush, but new evidence paints a far more calculated picture.
According to statements from the South African Police Service (SAPS), three of the four men arrested between 21 and 22 July 2025 are alleged hitmen, while the fourth reportedly a Sandton businessman named Katiso “KT” Molefe is believed to have ordered the execution.
The suspects face multiple charges, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and illegal possession of firearms.
Underworld Links and Drug Cartel Dispute
Fresh reporting by Sunday World and other outlets has revealed that Sefoka was allegedly caught in a dispute between rival factions over a missing drug consignment initially seized in KwaZulu-Natal and later trafficked into the Johannesburg nightclub scene.
Sources suggest that Sefoka may have unwittingly facilitated a meeting connected to the stolen consignment potentially making him a target for retribution. The drugs reportedly belonged to a group known as "The Big Five", who were enraged when the cargo was redistributed without their authorization.
Adding to the complexity, Sefoka was believed to be financially backed by a powerful taxi-industry figure, Joe Sibanyoni, who had invested in his Ayepyep Lifestyle clubs with the expectation that they would help distribute the consignment. When Sefoka allegedly reneged on this arrangement, tensions escalated dramatically.
Forensic Evidence Ties Killers to Other Crimes
Police forensic teams have confirmed that an AK-47 and other firearms used in Sefoka’s killing were also employed in at least 10 other violent cases, including the 2024 murder of engineer Armand Swart and the 2023 attempted assassination of actress Tebogo Thobejane.
Two of the recently arrested suspects have been directly linked to these cases, indicating they may be part of a larger contract killing network operating across Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
Case Finally Moves to Court
The suspects appeared at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on July 22, 2025, where proceedings were postponed until July 29. Given the gravity of the case, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that it is being handled as sub judice, with limited public disclosures permitted until the trial proceeds further.
Family members and fans of DJ Sumbody have expressed cautious relief that progress is finally being made in the case, though they await convictions before feeling a true sense of closure.
Timeline of Key Events
Date Event:
- Nov 20, 2022 DJ Sumbody and two bodyguards shot dead in Woodmead, Johannesburg
- 2023 Case moved to SAPS Political Killings Task Team
- Early 2024–2025 Ballistics link weapons to multiple other murders
- July 21–22, 2025 Four suspects arrested, including alleged mastermind Katiso Molefe
- July 29, 2025 Next court appearance scheduled
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