The murder trial of alleged underworld figure Katiso “KT” Molefe and three co-accused has been postponed to July 19, 2027, with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) saying it remains ready to prosecute the case once separate proceedings involving two of the accused have been finalised.

Molefe, businessman Michael Pule Tau, 55, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, 45, and Musa Kekana appeared in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg on Monday in connection with the November 2022 murder of musician and businessman Oupa “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka.

The four face 35 charges, including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The charges relate to allegations that Molefe and his co-accused were involved in the killings of Sefoka, his bodyguards Armand Swart and Hector “DJ Vintos” Buthelezi, as well as Don Tindleni.

In a statement issued on Monday, NPA communications officer Magaboke Mohlatlole said the postponement was necessary to allow a separate trial involving Mabusela and Kekana to be finalised.

“The court has ordered that those proceedings continue uninterrupted until their conclusion,” the NPA said.

The prosecution explained that the same prosecutors and some of the defence lawyers were involved in both matters, meaning the partly heard trial had to be concluded before the case against Molefe and his co-accused could proceed.

The postponement follows concerns about overlapping evidence in the separate proceedings involving alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Evidence being challenged in the Matlala proceedings is also relied upon by the State in the Molefe matter. Proceeding with both trials concurrently could complicate the presentation and examination of evidence.

The NPA said it remained trial-ready and committed to prosecuting the matter without further delay once the outstanding proceedings had been concluded.

Molefe’s bail was extended, while his three co-accused remain in custody.

State alleges link to multiple killings

The State alleges that Molefe orchestrated Sefoka’s murder with the involvement of his co-accused.

Sefoka was shot dead in Woodmead, Johannesburg, on November 20, 2022. His killing shocked South Africa’s entertainment industry, where he was known for his music career and business interests.

The prosecution further alleges that forensic evidence links high-calibre rifles used in Sefoka’s murder to other high-profile killings and incidents.

These include the deaths of Buthelezi, Tindleni and Swart, a Vereeniging engineer whose murder became an important part of the investigation into the alleged criminal network.

The NPA has maintained that the forensic evidence forms part of its case against the accused.

However, the allegations have yet to be tested in the trial, and all four men are presumed innocent unless convicted by a court.

The case has attracted attention because of the number of alleged killings linked to the investigation and the State’s claims about connections between the accused and organised criminal activity.

Molefe’s R400,000 bail appeal

Molefe’s release on bail became another significant development in the case after the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court initially refused his application in August 2025.

He challenged that decision in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg.

On October 10, 2025, the High Court granted Molefe bail of R400,000, overturning the lower court’s decision.

The bail decision came despite the State’s opposition to his release.

The court found that Molefe had established exceptional circumstances warranting his release in the interests of justice.

His bail was subject to strict conditions intended to regulate his movements and prevent interference with the investigation and witnesses.

Molefe was ordered to report to the Morningside police station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. He was restricted to Gauteng, although travel to Welkom in the Free State for business purposes was permitted after notifying the investigating officer.

His passport had to remain with the investigating officer, and he was prohibited from applying for travel documents. He was also barred from contacting or interfering with State witnesses.

The R400,000 bail was in addition to R100,000 bail previously granted in a separate case linked to Swart’s murder.

His bail conditions and continued release mean he will attend the proceedings as a bailed accused, while Tau, Mabusela and Kekana remain in custody.

Trial delayed until July next year

The latest postponement means the State’s case against Molefe and his co-accused will not proceed until July next year.

The scheduling issue centres on the need to conclude the separate proceedings involving Mabusela and Kekana before the murder trial can continue.

The NPA said it remained committed to prosecuting the case once the other proceedings had concluded.

The matter is expected to return to the Johannesburg High Court on July 19, 2027.

The trial is expected to examine the State’s allegations about the killings and the forensic evidence said to connect firearms to the separate incidents.

Until then, the allegations against Molefe, Tau, Mabusela and Kekana remain before the court.