One rifle, five murders: SAPS links DJ Sumbody hit to syndicate

The weapon in question has also been linked to the brazen assassination of businessman Don Tindleni, gunned down on a Johannesburg highway in March 2023, and the killing of Transnet engineer Armand Swart.

Police confirmed that four suspects — including the alleged mastermind Katiso “KT” Molefe — face a growing list of murder and conspiracy charges, and could potentially be connected to a broader criminal operation.

The SAPS Political Killings Task Team and the elite Organised Crime Unit are closely monitoring the case.

New charges in DJ Vintos and Don Tindleni killings

During a media briefing outside the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, SAPS national spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that Katiso Molefe and three alleged hitmen have now officially been charged with the 2022 murder of DJ Vintos and the 2023 killing of Don Tindleni.

Both men died in separate incidents involving high-powered assault weapons in what police now believe were contracted hits.

"We are linking them to the killing of Armand Swart, the killing of DJ Vintos, who's known as Hector Buthelezi.

"We are linking that same AK-47 to the killing of DJ Sumbody, his bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena, as well as Sandile Myeza, and we are also linking it to the murder of Don Tindleni."

Tindleni was murdered in a hail of bullets on the N1 near the N17 off-ramp in Johannesburg.

His vehicle, a BMW, was riddled with gunfire.

According to Mathe, while the three hitmen have now been charged, police are still investigating the identity of the mastermind behind that specific attack.

Breakthrough forensics and expanding scope

Mathe explained that while authorities had earlier suspected the weapon’s use in other crimes, they are now confident in at least four positive ballistic matches, and possibly more.

"Previously, I had indicated that we are investigating about 10 high-profile cases where these firearms are being linked to. So now we are at number four,” she said. 

"But there could be other cases that could be added as investigations are ongoing. It's not only the firearms that we are linking. There's other evidence being taken into account."

Police are also working with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to execute warrants based on ongoing discoveries.

"There are warrants already. They are being executed as and when they come to court. We charge them formally just before they make their appearance," Mathe confirmed.

DJ Sumbody case

The four accused, who are also facing charges for the 2022 murder of DJ Sumbody — real name Oupa Sekofa — and his two bodyguards, appeared briefly in court again on Tuesday.

The court postponed the matter for further investigation.

Sekofa was ambushed and killed in November 2022 while travelling in Johannesburg.

His murder sent shockwaves across South Africa’s entertainment industry and left unanswered questions that police now believe are closer to resolution.

The same group of suspects, initially arrested in connection with the murder of Armand Swart, was later linked to the DJ Sumbody case following new evidence.

That evidence has now been extended to include DJ Vintos and Tindleni’s killings.

"So for now, we are linking them to at least 10 high-profile cases where this one AK-47 is being linked to," Mathe explained.

"We first arrested the four in the Armand Swart case, then proceeded to arrest them for the DJ Sumbody and his two bodyguards' case. Further investigation then linked them to DJ Vintos and Don Tindleni’s murders."

Bail delays and legal developments

Katiso Molefe’s formal bail application has been postponed until next Wednesday due to his legal team requesting more time to prepare.

Meanwhile, the case against all four suspects has been postponed to 18 September for further investigation.

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