Four men appeared at the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on Monday in connection with the 2022 murder of popular amapiano artist Oupa John Sefoka, widely known as DJ Sumbody. The arrests come nearly three years after the high-profile shooting in Woodmead, which claimed the lives of Sefoka, his bodyguard, and his driver.

The accused are Michael Pule Tau (55), Katiso Molefe (61), Tiego Floyd Mabusela (45), and Musa Kekana. They face three counts of murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The court heard that the men are believed to be part of a contract-killing syndicate, and that one of them may have ordered the murder.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mabusela and Kekana were already in custody on separate charges linked to the attempted murder of businesswoman Tebogo Thobejane when they were positively linked to the DJ Sumbody case. This development is seen as a major breakthrough in the long-running investigation.

The shooting occurred on 20 November 2022, when DJ Sumbody and his team were ambushed in their vehicle in Woodmead during the early hours of the morning. Sefoka and his bodyguard, Sibusiso Walter Mokoena, died at the scene, while his driver, Sandile Shawn Myeza, was rushed to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators say the vehicle was shot at multiple times using high-calibre weapons, suggesting a well-planned and professional hit. The suspects were arrested after a detailed investigation involving ballistic evidence, financial tracking, and cellphone data analysis.

The case has been postponed to 29 July 2025 to give the State time to profile the accused, some of whom may be linked to other serious crimes. The State indicated it will oppose any bail applications.

In a related development, the State has added a fifth accused in the Tebogo Thobejane attempted murder case. Nthabiseng Nzama, who appeared in court this week, is accused of facilitating financial transactions linked to the plot. She allegedly moved money between accounts knowing the funds came from criminal activity. Nzama was granted R10,000 bail, and her case was postponed to 26 August 2025.

According to NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, the two cases are being treated as potentially connected, with investigators now probing the possibility of a larger organised criminal network behind the attempted and actual murders.

“The arrest and appearance of the four suspects in the DJ Sumbody case is a significant development. We will ensure a thorough prosecution,” said Mjonondwane.

The murder of DJ Sumbody sent shockwaves across the country. Known for hit songs like “Monate Mpolaye” and his high-end lifestyle brand Ayepyep, he had become a household name in South Africa’s music scene. His funeral in November 2022 was attended by celebrities, politicians, and fans who called for justice and an end to violent crime targeting artists.

The motive behind the killing is still under investigation, but there is speculation about links to business disputes, nightlife security tensions, or extortion rackets.

Authorities are now working to determine whether the accused are part of a broader syndicate involved in contract killings, potentially connected to other cases in Gauteng and beyond.

The court proceedings mark a critical step forward in the DJ Sumbody murder case, which had gone unsolved for more than two years despite ongoing public pressure and speculation. With the arrests and new evidence, law enforcement officials say they are confident the investigation is now on a solid footing.