Two bodyguards of alleged kingpin Katiso “KT” Molefe were arrested outside the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday after being found in possession of two semi-automatic AKM rifles and ammunition without valid permits. The arrests took place as Molefe, who is facing charges of fraud, corruption, and money laundering, attended a separate hearing in his ongoing legal matters. Molefe is currently out on R400 000 bail and remains subject to conditions that include regular reporting to authorities.
The two men, aged 24 and 36, were reportedly escorting Molefe to court when police discovered the firearms. In addition to the weapons, the vehicle transporting the bodyguards was seized after authorities found that the license disk did not match the registration number plates. Investigators are examining whether the possession of the firearms was linked to Molefe’s security arrangements or part of a wider breach of South Africa’s firearm regulations.
The arrests follow heightened scrutiny of Molefe, who is a well-known businessman in Gauteng and has been implicated in alleged irregularities involving government procurement contracts. His legal proceedings have drawn considerable media attention due to the scale of the alleged financial crimes and his profile in the business community.
SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the arrests and said, “Our officers acted swiftly to remove illegal weapons from circulation and ensure public safety outside the court. The matter will proceed through the judicial process, and the accused bodyguards will face charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.”
The bodyguards are expected to appear in Alexandra Magistrate’s Court for a bail hearing and further proceedings. Police have stressed that investigations are ongoing and that all evidence will be fully examined to determine whether other parties were involved.
Molefe’s appearance in court on Wednesday did not result in any changes to his bail conditions, and he remains out on R400 000 bail pending the continuation of his case. Authorities have reiterated that any breaches of firearm laws or court security will be treated with the utmost seriousness.
The arrests have prompted a review of security arrangements for high-profile defendants to prevent similar incidents in the future.
