The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has expressed outrage over the Johannesburg High Court’s decision to grant R400,000 bail to alleged criminal mastermind, Katiso “KT” Molefe. The ruling overturned an earlier decision by the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court to refuse him bail.
“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,” the EFF said.
THE CHARGES AGAINST MOLEFE
Molefe allegedly masterminded the 2022 murders of music producer and nightclub owner DJ Sumbody and his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza. He faces charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms. Forensic evidence links his firearms to 18 other cases, including attempted murders and assassinations. The SAPS Political Killings Task Team arrested him in July 2025.
The Alexandra Magistrates’ Court originally denied bail, citing his flight risk and prior criminal activity, including drug trafficking and fraud. Molefe’s legal counsel, Advocate Michael Hellens SC, argued the magistrate erred in fact and law, claiming the state relied on speculation and weak circumstantial evidence. “There was no evidence that he was a member of a syndicate, it’s just not there,” Hellens said.
PATTERN OF JUDICIAL INDULGENCE
“This is not Molefe’s first escape from incarceration through judicial indulgence,” the EFF said. Earlier this year, the Pretoria High Court granted him bail in the Armand Swart murder case, which according to the EFF, exposes a justice system “captured, compromised, and increasingly protective of those with money and connections.”
LINKS TO ORGANISED CRIME
Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo testified that Molefe and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala lead a cartel involved in contract killings, drug trafficking, cross-border hijackings, tender fraud, and extortion. Despite strong evidence linking him to multiple homicides, the courts released him. “This undermines every principle of justice and endangers the lives of witnesses, whistleblowers, and police officers working on these cases,” the EFF warned.
SOUTH AFRICA’S BAIL CRISIS
The ruling highlights South Africa’s wider bail crisis, with over 16,000 offenders absconding every year. “The judiciary continues to release dangerous and well-connected suspects, while ordinary citizens pay the price,” the EFF said.
The EFF has vowed not to remain silent as the justice system becomes what they allege to be a weapon of privilege for the very criminals it should punish.
