In South Africa's ongoing struggle against organized crime, one figure has emerged as a beacon of determination. General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the Police Commissioner for KwaZulu-Natal province, who also doubles as the political killings task team national convener, has, through his leadership, orchestrated a series of arrests that have finally brought to light criminals who evaded justice for years, seemingly shielded by powerful influences. These breakthroughs tie directly to a chain of tragic events sparked by a costly mistake involving popular entertainer DJ Sumbody, whose involvement in a shadowy deal set off a wave of targeted killings among celebrities and public figures. This story uncovers how a single blunder in the world of drugs and business rivalries led to multiple losses, exposing deep-rooted corruption that protected the guilty for far too long.
The saga begins with DJ Sumbody, whose real name was Oupa John Sefoka, a well-known disc jockey and entrepreneur in JOHANNESBURG's vibrant nightlife scene. His fatal error stemmed from his alleged role in handling a massive drug shipment that had vanished from police custody in KwaZulu-Natal several years earlier. This consignment, valued at millions, mysteriously reappeared on the streets of JOHANNESBURG, where it was sold at low prices, angering a powerful syndicate referred to as the Big Five. Sources indicate that individuals holding the drugs approached DJ Sumbody for help in moving them, drawing him into a dangerous web. What started as a business favor escalated into a deadly feud, as the Big Five sought to reclaim their losses through ruthless means, ultimately leading to his assassination and those of several others connected to the entertainment industry.
This incident was not isolated. The feud over the resurfaced drugs extended to other figures in the showbiz world. Sandile Mkhize, known as DJ Citi Lyts, a rapper who contributed significantly to the music scene, became another casualty in these underlying conflicts. Thulani Msimango, performing as Heavy Pablo, shared ties to the same nightlife circles and met a comparable fate. Hector Buthelezi, who went by DJ Vintos, also fell prey to the spreading disputes, his death tied to the same syndicate's efforts to maintain control. Each case highlighted rivalries fueled by the drug consignment's reappearance, with the Big Five using fear to enforce their dominance.
DJ Sumbody's business ambitions added layers to the story. He sought funding to expand his Ayepyep venue to a new branch in Menlyn, initially approaching a prominent taxi boss who later passed away. He then secured support from taxi billionaire Joe Sibanyoni, often called Joe Ferrari. Following the taxi boss's death, Sibanyoni hosted an event at a place called Mercedes, where one of DJ Sumbody's associates, Seunkie Mukubung known as DJ Vettys, took photos and posted them online, captioning them to emphasize bonds among friends. DJ Vettys, a Tshwane-based artist famous for tracks like Ngwana Daddy and his work with DJ Sumbody, runs the Hawayu Lifestyle pub in Tshwane, a lively spot similar to Ayepyep. His posts included images with rapper Cassper Nyovest, nearly pulling the well-known musician into the spotlight of danger.
The risks became starkly clear when DJ Vettys survived an attack on an unspecified date in January 2024, sustaining injuries from two of four bullets fired at him. He spent three weeks recovering in a Tshwane hospital and later described feeling a spiritual presence from DJ Sumbody during the ordeal, as if his friend had appeared in a vision wearing a black T-shirt and blue sports hat, offering protection with words that conveyed not to harm his close associate. DJ Vettys expressed a sense of forgiveness toward those who targeted him, believing they aimed at individuals linked to DJ Sumbody.
General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has been hailed as a hero by many ordinary South Africans who regard him as their last hope to restore safety and sanctity of human life in a now dangerous South Africa where, statistics reveal that every day at least 75 people are murdered. Mkhwanazi has put his life at risk by vowing to pledge to fight organised crime head-on and has reportedly already been threatened with death threats, a development that has since resulted in national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola authorising a beefed-up security on General Mkhwanazi's home. But Mkhwanazi himself, speaking during his press briefing on 6 July, said he is ready to die for the sake of protecting South Africans as his job is to fight crime and make South Africa safe for everyone.
Under General Mkhwanazi's leadership, the political killings task team has intensified its efforts, leading to arrests that connect back to these celebrity deaths and beyond. In a recent development, four men—businessman Katiso Molefe, former police officer Michael Pule Tau, Tlego Floyd Mabusela, and Musa Kekana—faced additional charges in court. Three of them, excluding Molefe, were charged with the murder of Don Tindleni, while all four were accused in the killing of Hector Buthelezi, also known as DJ Vintos. The court appearance took place at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, with Molefe's bail hearing postponed to 6 August.
Investigations revealed that Molefe allegedly orchestrated the hit on Buthelezi, carried out by Tau, Mabusela, and Kekana in March 2022 in Orlando East. Buthelezi's body, marked by multiple bullet wounds, was discovered next to his Volkswagen Golf 7R, and the perpetrators escaped in a BMW X3. This murder linked directly to the earlier assassination of DJ Sumbody in November 2022, where he and his bodyguards were taken out in a similar style in Woodmead. Months later, in March 2023, Tindleni was shot on the N1 near the N17 off-ramp in JOHANNESBURG.
The web widened to include the killing of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart, a father of two, who was targeted outside his workplace in a case of mistaken identity. The intended victim was reportedly another employee who had exposed irregularities in Transnet tender processes involving price inflation. Ballistics reports connected three pistols and an AK-47 to the murders of Swart, DJ Sumbody and his bodyguards, DJ Vintos, and Tindleni, with these firearms tied to ten high-profile cases overall, including attempts on lives.
Further charges against Kekana and Mabusela involved attempts on the lives of television actress and influencer Tebogo Thobejane and her friends Anele Malinga and Khumbulani Ncube. The incident occurred on 17 October 2023, on the N1 highway near Sandton, where their car was hit by numerous bullets. Although the firearms from this event remain missing, Kekana, Mabusela, controversial businessman Vusimuzi Matlala (aged 49), and his wife Tsakani Matlala (aged 36) face related accusations. Matlala and the others are in custody, except Tsakani, who was released on R20,000 bail.
These arrests stem from General Mkhwanazi's bold press briefing, where he highlighted interference in investigations by high-ranking officials, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, both placed on special leave. Mkhwanazi accused them of shielding key figures like Molefe and Matlala, who are linked to drug cartels and underworld networks. This led to the task team's revival and expansion to probe assassinations of political leaders, resulting in multiple detentions of individuals previously released on bail under unclear conditions.
Details from confessions indicated that Ncengwa was promised R1 million and a R600,000 flat for the hit but received only R70,000, prompting him to reveal politicians who allegedly ordered it. Another suspect confessed to being paid over half a million rand, underscoring the planned nature of the act. Current ANC Youth League leaders have welcomed the arrest, noting it exposes deep corruption in government, where efforts to uncover wrongdoing lead to severe repercussions.
In another breakthrough, the task team addressed the killing of Umngeni Local Municipality DA chief whip Nhlalayenza Ndlovu, shot dead at his home in Mpophomeni, Howick, on an evening in December 2023. The attack happened in front of his wife, two children aged five years and six months, and a housemaid, with over ten bullet rounds fired at close range. Ndlovu's body was found face-down with wounds to his head and body, bullet holes in the front door, and at least ten cartridges at the scene. This marked the 22nd such incident for KwaZulu-Natal councillors between September 2022 and December 2023.
Two more suspects were arrested: a 56-year-old traditional leader and a 26-year-old man who allegedly coordinated the act from Pietermaritzburg Prison. They face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, appearing in the Howick Magistrate’s Court on 31 July. They join previously charged individuals: alleged hitman Zwelithini Buthelezi (43), an induna in the Nxamalala tribal authority; Thobani Masobho Hlongwa (31); and Khayelihle Shabalala (31).
The DA had offered a R100,000 reward for information leading to convictions and commissioned its own forensic investigation, which identified Buthelezi as a conspirator. Despite presenting evidence to police, it was reportedly ignored initially. Ndlovu's family, who abandoned their home after the event, expressed renewed hope with Buthelezi's surrender, though they struggle with the loss, leaving his wife as a single parent to young children. Described as a humble servant who prioritized community needs, Ndlovu's death prompted the DA to increase the reward to R1 million at one point.
These interconnected stories reveal a pattern of protection for criminals by influential figures, dismantled only through General Mkhwanazi's unwavering commitment. The task team, formed in 2018 to investigate political killings, has broadened its scope, leading to these pivotal arrests. Molefe, central to claims of police infiltration by drug networks, exemplifies how such shields allowed operations to continue unchecked. The political fallout included Mchunu's special leave and a call for a judicial inquiry by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
As the bail for Molefe was postponed to 6 August and the case remanded to 18 September, the state plans to centralize all related murder cases, promising further revelations. Police continue searching for additional masterminds, particularly in Tindleni's killing, while linking firearms to broader incidents.
This narrative of blunders, betrayals, and bold interventions paints a picture of a nation grappling with hidden dangers, where one man's mistake rippled into widespread tragedy, but a hero's resolve brings hope for accountability.
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