EFF praises arrest of suspects in DJ Sumbody's murder case

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has welcomed the arrest of the four suspects linked to the murder of Oupa John Sefoka, popularly known as DJ Sumbody.

This comes after the suspected killers appeared before the Alexandra Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, following their arrest on Monday afternoon.

Their matter was subsequently postponed to July 29 with reports that one of the suspects is a known businessman, identified as Katiso Molefe, while the rest are alleged hitmen.

The police further allege that the suspects are linked to 10 other high-profile cases, including the murder of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart. 

"The [police] team arrested four men between the ages of 45 and 60 in connection with the murder of a popular South African DJ, Oupa John Sefoka, popularly known as DJ Sumbody. Michael Pule, Floyd Mabusela, Mosa Kekana, and businessman Katiso Molefe, who is the alleged mastermind, are expected back in court on July 29," said police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe. 

Mathe confirmed that the suspects, aged between 45 and 60, were apprehended on Monday afternoon.

The EFF, in a statement, welcomed the arrest, with the party stating: "We commend Gauteng’s organised crime detectives and the Political Killings Task Team for their determined and methodical investigation, which has now resulted in the arrest of three suspected hitmen and the individual believed to have ordered the killing. A firearm recovered during the operation has been linked to multiple murders, highlighting the systemic nature of this violence and the importance of specialised units to combat it."

In 2022, the gruesome murder of the talented artist sent shockwaves across the country after he was shot dead while driving in Woodmead.

According to Mathe, this discovery suggests that the individuals involved in DJ Sumbody’s death may be part of a larger network responsible for orchestrating and carrying out violent crimes in and around Johannesburg.

She added that Swart, an engineer from Vereeniging, was gunned down outside his workplace in what appears to have been a case of mistaken identity. He was shot 23 times by an alleged hitman who reportedly mistook him for another employee.

"We can confirm that four suspects who were arrested on Monday on the murder of DJ Sumbody have appeared today. They have been charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and the possession of illegal firearms, as well as ammunition. What is interesting is that the same suspects who were arrested were wanted for the murder of 30-year-old Armand Swart," she stated.

While the police have not yet disclosed the full details regarding the motive, IOL has reported that those close to the investigation suggest that the killing may have stemmed from disputes involving business dealings or personal rivalries.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za