Who is the fifth suspect added in the Tebogo Thobejane attempted murder?

In a significant development in the ongoing attempted murder case involving South African actress Tebogo Thobejane, the State has introduced a fifth suspect, Nthabiseng Nzama.

Nzama, 23, appeared briefly before the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on Monday, facing charges related to allegedly facilitating fund transfers between accounts while having knowledge that these funds were derived from criminal activity.

Phindi Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) in Gauteng, confirmed that Nzama has been granted bail set at R10,000.

This recent addition to the case comes amid an investigation into an extensive criminal network, stemming from the arrest of suspects linked to the brutal killing of popular musician Oupa John Sefoka, better known to fans as DJ Sumbody.

Police have now confirmed that the suspects arrested for his murder are connected to other killings including the attempted murder of Thobejane, indicating a broader pattern of organised violence.

According to reports, Nzama is the daughter of one of the alleged hitmen and she's facing a money laundering charge.

The three alleged hitmen, Michael Pule Tau, Musa Kekana, 35, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, 47, and alleged mastermind and businessman Katiso Molefe, 61, appeared at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for DJ Sumbody's murder.

DJ Sumbody was killed with his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza while travelling in their cars on November 20, 2022, in Woodmead. 

The trio is facing three charges of murder, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition in connection with the murders of DJ Sumbody, Mokoena, and Myeza.

Furthermore, Kekana, Mabusela, and the controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala along with his wife Tsakani Matlala, are being investigated as suspects in the attempted murder case involving Thobejane and her friends.

At the time, the former “Muvhango” actress’s vehicle was shot multiple times. She was not wounded in the incident but was treated for shock at the Life Fourways Hospital.

The former podcaster had been travelling with her friend, who was wounded and driver when the shooting happened in Morningside.

Meanwhile, the alleged mastermind behind DJ Sumbody's murder, businessman Katiso Molefe, appeared alongside his co-accused on Tuesday.

They remain in custody.

Nzama will appear alongside her co-accused on August 26.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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