Two Alleged Bodyguards of Murder Accused Arrested with Illegal Rifles Outside Court
Two men believed to be the bodyguards of murder-accused businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe were arrested outside the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court after police found them carrying unlicensed semi-automatic rifles and ammunition. Their dramatic arrest took place moments after Molefe concluded a brief court appearance, adding yet another twist to a high-profile murder case already tied to multiple contract killings of well-known DJs.
The pair, aged 24 and 36, had arrived at court in two Hyundai H1 vehicles before being stopped by law enforcement officials. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that officers recovered two semi-automatic AKM rifles and ammunition, all of which were being carried without valid permits.
“The bodyguards are believed to have been escorting an accused person who was appearing today in court,” Mathe said. Police immediately confiscated the weapons and arrested both men on charges relating to illegal possession of firearms.
The vehicle transporting the men was also seized after officers discovered that its licence plate did not match the vehicle’s registration details, raising further suspicion about the nature of their presence at the courthouse. Their arrest unfolded only minutes after Molefe stepped out of the courtroom.
After the court proceeding, Molefe was quickly ushered into a white Volkswagen Golf GTI with no number plates and driven away at speed. The manner of his departure, coupled with the discovery of unlicensed rifles among his alleged protectors, highlighted the tense atmosphere surrounding the high-stakes murder case.
Molefe, 61, has been central to one of the country’s most discussed contract killing investigations. In October, he was granted R400 000 bail by Judge Brad Wanless in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, after bail had previously been denied in a lower court. The court imposed strict conditions intended to restrict his movements and secure his availability for trial.
Under these bail terms, Molefe must report to Morningside police station three times a week, surrender his passport to the investigating officer, and refrain from applying for any new travel documents. He is required to remain within the borders of Gauteng, except for business-related trips to Welkom in the Free State — and only if police are notified beforehand.
These conditions reflect the seriousness of the charges against Molefe and his co-accused, who include former Johannesburg police officer Michael Pule Tau, as well as Tiego Mabusela and Musa Kekana. All four face multiple charges ranging from murder to conspiracy to commit murder. Their alleged criminal activities form part of what authorities describe as an organised network targeting prominent figures in the entertainment industry.
Investigators allege the group orchestrated contract killings that claimed the lives of well-known personalities, including popular DJ Oupa “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka and his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza. Police also believe that the type of high-calibre firearms found in the possession of Molefe’s alleged bodyguards on Wednesday are similar to those used in the killings.
These same rifles are thought to be linked to the murders of another well-known DJ, Hector “DJ Vintos” Buthelezi, as well as Vereeniging businessman Armand Swart. The connection between the weapons, the accused, and the series of killings has strengthened the state’s case as it prepares for trial.
Tau, Molefe’s co-accused, was still serving as a police officer when he was arrested, further intensifying scrutiny around the case and raising concerns about potential collusion, access to sensitive information, and misuse of police resources. His three co-accused remain in custody since the matter was transferred to the high court.
The arrest of the two alleged bodyguards has now added a fresh dimension to the investigation, particularly as it took place under the watch of court security and involved the same type of rifles associated with the murders under investigation. While it remains unclear what role, if any, the men may play in the broader case, their presence, weapons and suspected connection to Molefe have heightened interest in the upcoming trial.
Molefe and his co-accused are expected to return to the Gauteng High Court on 5 February, where the state is preparing to outline its case linking the accused to the string of targeted killings. With new arrests and growing scrutiny of the firearms linked to the crimes, the court battle is set to draw significant public attention as it moves forward.
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