Judge Grants KT Molefe R400k Bail, NPA Calls Decision Disappointing

When KT Molefe, a Gauteng‑based businessman, walked out of Johannesburg’s High Court on October 10, 2025, the R400,000 bail package attached to his release was the headline, not the courtroom drama that led to it.

The ruling came from Judge Brad Walness who told the bench that the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court had “relied on speculation” when it denied Molefe bail two months earlier. The decision overturns the August 2025 denial and adds to an earlier R100,000 bail order issued by the High Court of South Africa, KwaZulu‑Natal Division (Pretoria) under case number A112/2025.

Background: A Music Industry Murder Trail

At the centre of the case is the October 2022 killing of Oupa Sefoka – better known as DJ Sumbody – and his bodyguard, a slaying that sent shockwaves through South Africa’s urban music scene. Two other deaths, those of Hector, known on the decks as DJ Vintos Bhutlesi, and engineer Aman Swat, have been linked to the same alleged network.

Prosecutors say Molefe’s name surfaces in at least 18 serious criminal investigations, including alleged ties to the so‑called “big five cartel,” a syndicate blamed for a string of illegal firearms deals and contract killings. The NPA (National Prosecuting Authority) has framed his alleged involvement as a threat to public safety and a potential flight risk.

The Bail Appeal: Arguments and Evidence

Advocate Michael Helens led the defence, arguing that the state’s case rested on “a base of speculation” rather than hard proof. He referenced a puzzling “state 9.3” clause and an answering affidavit dated 004 line 63, paragraph 93, to highlight inconsistencies in how the prosecution described Molefe’s role – sometimes as a “middleman,” other times as a mastermind.

The defence also pointed to precedent: in a 2023 case involving a similar financial bail amount, the High Court had granted bail where the prosecution’s evidence was largely circumstantial. Helens used that to argue that “exceptional circumstances” existed for Molefe, especially given the lack of direct forensic links to the murders.

NPA’s Reaction: Disappointment but Acceptance

Immediately after the judgment, an NPA spokesperson released a statement that read, “We are disappointed with the outcome. Of course, we did not expect such an outcome. However, as the NPA, we take it on the chin and we move forward.” The office added that it would “study the judgment further” and consider if any procedural avenues remain open.

Legal analysts note that the NPA’s language is careful – they acknowledge the court’s authority while signaling that they may seek a review on appeal, especially if new evidence emerges.

Implications for South Africa’s Criminal Justice Landscape

Granting such a high bail amount – R400,000 plus the earlier R100,000 – underscores the court’s balancing act between presumption of innocence and public safety concerns. It also highlights a broader trend: South African judges increasingly scrutinize lower‑court decisions that hinge on “speculative” links rather than concrete forensic evidence.

For the music community, the ruling is a bitter pill. DJ Sumbody’s fans have organized vigils since 2022, demanding justice. The bail decision does not absolve Molefe, but it does postpone a trial that many hope will bring closure.

What’s Next? Upcoming Hearings and Possible Appeals

The next court date is slated for January 15, 2026, when the prosecution plans to present additional forensic testimony. Both sides have indicated they will bring expert witnesses – the state on ballistics, the defence on alibi timelines.

If the NPA decides to appeal, the case could wind up at the Supreme Court of Appeal, where precedent on bail in murder cases will likely be revisited. Until then, Molefe must adhere to strict bail conditions, which reportedly include a 24‑hour curfew, surrender of his passport, and regular check‑ins with a police liaison officer.

Historical Context: Violence in the South African Music Scene

South Africa’s urban music sector has not been immune to crime. The early 2000s saw the murders of prominent Kwaito figures, and the 2010s witnessed a surge in gang‑related shootings at nightclubs. Analysts tie this pattern to an under‑current of illicit weapon trafficking, often linked to larger organized‑crime networks.

Experts like Dr. Lindiwe Mthethwa, a criminologist at the University of Pretoria, warn that “the intersection of music culture, youth identity, and illicit economies creates a volatile mix. When high‑profile artists become targets, the ripple effect extends beyond the charts to community safety.”