By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Johannesburg High Court reserved judgment in the bail appeal of Katiso “KT” Molefe, accused of orchestrating the 2022 murders of music producer Oupa John Sefoka and his bodyguards.
Molefe was arrested in July 2025 by the SAPS Political Killings Task Team in Gauteng.
He faces multiple charges including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
According to Molefe’s lawyer, Michael Hellens SC, the applicant has discharged the onus of showing exceptional circumstances that he must be granted bail. He insisted that the application must succeed.
He added that there are additional charges of premeditated murder. But the personal circumstances remain unchanged.
“The opposition to bail rests heavily on the alleged strength of the state’s case. With respect, the state has not demonstrated such strength.”
“The material relied upon cash, WhatsApp messages, cellphone tower data does not rise to the level of persuasive or compelling evidence. Were this matter considered under section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, the state’s case could well be described as speculative. While I accept that the test for a discharge differs from the bail inquiry, this comparison illustrates the frailty of the evidentiary foundation relied upon by the prosecution.
“The opposition amounts to no more than assertion and speculation, without concrete evidence. The presumption of innocence and the principle that bail should be granted where the interests of justice permit, subject to conditions, must weigh heavily.”
Hellens insisted Molefe was not a flight risk and had not interfered with witnesses since his arrest.
However, the State pushed back, prosecutor Elize le Roux asserting that the evidence – when viewed holistically – paints a compelling picture of Molefe’s alleged involvement.
“The State doesn’t need each piece of evidence to stand alone,” the prosecutor said.
“Taken together, the circumstantial evidence clearly points to the appellant’s involvement and guilt.”
The State added that inconsistencies highlighted by the defence did not weaken the overall case.
Judge Brad Wanless said the court would deliver judgment “as soon as possible” given the urgency of bail matters.
“The court is not in a position yet to hand down judgment,” Wanless said. “It will endeavour to do so at the earliest opportunity.”
This week, Molefe was implicated in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry looking into the political interference in the criminal justice system.
Crime Intelligence boss, Dumisani Khumalo, linked Molefe and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to the “big five” criminal cartels operating in Gauteng, and their alleged links to senior politicians, police officials, and businessmen.