The murder case linked to the killing of popular amapiano artist DJ Sumbody has been postponed to October after a pre-trial conference concluded in the High Court in Johannesburg.
Businessman Katiso Molefe appeared in court on Thursday alongside his co-accused, Michael Pule Tau (55), Tiego Floyd Mabisela (45), and Musa Kekana.
The four men face 35 charges related to the murder of DJ Sumbody, whose real name was Oupa John Sefoka.
The court postponed the matter to 26 October 2026 for trial after the defence confirmed it had received full disclosure of the State’s evidence. The completion of this process allows both the prosecution and defence to prepare for the trial, which is expected to be lengthy due to the number of accused and charges involved.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the State alleges that Molefe orchestrated the killing together with his co-accused. Prosecutors claim the accused were involved in planning and executing the attack that led to Sefoka’s death.
Molefe’s bail was extended on the same conditions, while his three co-accused remain in custody pending the start of the trial.
Sefoka was shot and killed in the early hours of 20 November 2022 in Woodmead. At the time of the shooting, he was travelling in a luxury vehicle with his bodyguard when gunmen opened fire on the car. The musician died at the scene, while his bodyguard survived the attack with injuries.
The killing shocked fans and fellow artists across the country, as Sefoka was widely regarded as one of the leading figures in South Africa’s amapiano movement. Beyond his music career, he was also known as a successful businessman with interests in the entertainment and hospitality sectors.
Investigators have previously indicated that the murder may be linked to a broader network of organised crime.
According to the State, forensic evidence allegedly connects the high-calibre rifles used in the attack to several other high-profile killings. These include the murder of Hector Buthelezi, popularly known as DJ Vintos, as well as victims Don Tindleni and Armand Swart.
Authorities believe the firearms used in the incidents may have been part of a series of violent crimes linked to organised criminal activities operating in parts of Gauteng.
NPA Gauteng spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the State remained ready to proceed with the trial.
“The pre-trial conference in the case against Katiso Molefe has concluded in the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Johannesburg, and the matter has been postponed to 26 October 2026 for trial,” Mohlatlole said.
She added that the NPA was committed to ensuring justice is served in the case.
The trial is expected to attract significant public attention when proceedings begin later this year, given DJ Sumbody’s prominence in the music industry and the serious allegations presented by the State.
