DJ Sumbody Survived First Assassination Attempt Before Fatal Hit
South African music icon DJ Sumbody, whose real name was Oupa John Sefoka, narrowly escaped death in June 2021 when hitmen attempted to assassinate him after his performance at Biblos Cafe in Katlehong. This incident was reportedly a precursor to his eventual murder on November 20, 2022.
The 2021 Attempt
According to eyewitnesses, DJ Sumbody’s driver quickly sped away from the cafe after a suspicious vehicle started tailing them. The pursuers were eventually blocked by a coal truck at a traffic light, allowing DJ Sumbody’s vehicle to escape. This close call led him to beef up his security, hiring bodyguard Sibusiso Khumalo, recommended by Vusi “Cat” Matlala, who was linked to another high-profile case. The 2022 Assassination Tragically, DJ Sumbody’s reinforced security measures weren’t enough to save him from a meticulously planned hit. He was ambushed and killed, along with his bodyguards Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza, in Woodmead, Johannesburg, shortly after performing at News Cafe. The attackers used an AK-47 rifle, firing 48 shots.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has made significant progress in the case, linking the same AK-47 to four murders, including DJ Sumbody’s and DJ Vintos’. Four suspects, including businessman Katiso Molefe, former police officer Michael Pule Tau, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, and Musa Kekana, were arrested and are facing charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. Molefe’s bail application was postponed, with the state presenting evidence of his alleged involvement in the crime.
Motive Behind the Murder
Investigators believe DJ Sumbody’s murder was tied to a multi-million rand drug war and power struggle in the underworld. The killing was allegedly orchestrated by Katiso Molefe, a businessman with ties to illicit trades. DJ Sumbody’s involvement in the drug trade reportedly began when he was approached for help in moving goods, escalating into a deadly rivalry
