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Marianne Thamm is a South African journalist, author and stand-up comedian. She is the assistant editor of the Daily Maverick and has written several books. In 2016, she released the memoir, Hitler, Verwoerd, Mandela and me.
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IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
EFF welcomes arrests in the DJ Sumbody murder investigation
Four men have been arrested in connection with the murder of a popular South African DJ, Oupa John Sefoka, popularly known as DJ Sumbody. Image: Social Media The EFF has welcomed the arrest of four suspects linked to the murder of Oupa John Sefoka, known as DJ Sumbody. This follows their appearance at the Alexandra Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, after being arrested on Monday afternoon. Their matter was subsequently postponed to July 29 with reports that one of the suspects is a known businessman, identified as Katiso Molefe, while the rest are alleged hitmen. The police further allege that the suspects are linked to 10 other high-profile cases, including the murder of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart. "The [police] team arrested four men between the ages of 45 and 60 in connection with the murder of a popular South African DJ, Oupa John Sefoka, popularly known as DJ Sumbody. Michael Pule, Floyd Mabusela, Mosa Kekana, and businessman Katiso Molefe, who is the alleged mastermind, are expected back in court on July 29," said police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe. The EFF, in a statement, welcomed the arrest, with the party stating: "We commend Gauteng's organised crime detectives and the Political Killings Task Team for their determined and methodical investigation, which has now resulted in the arrest of three suspected hitmen and the individual believed to have ordered the killing. A firearm recovered during the operation has been linked to multiple murders, highlighting the systemic nature of this violence and the importance of specialised units to combat it." The Alexandra Magistrate's Court has postponed the murder case against DJ Sumbody after four men who were arrested on Monday appeared in court on Tuesday. Image: X In 2022, the gruesome murder of the talented artist sent shockwaves across the country after he was shot dead while driving in Woodmead. According to Mathe, this discovery suggests that the individuals involved in DJ Sumbody's death may be part of a larger network responsible for orchestrating and carrying out violent crimes in and around Johannesburg. She added that Swart, an engineer from Vereeniging, was gunned down outside his workplace in what appears to have been a case of mistaken identity. He was shot 23 times by an alleged hitman who reportedly mistook him for another employee. "We can confirm that four suspects who were arrested on Monday on the murder of DJ Sumbody have appeared today. They have been charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and the possession of illegal firearms, as well as ammunition. What is interesting is that the same suspects who were arrested were wanted for the murder of 30-year-old Armand Swart," she stated. While the police have not yet disclosed the full details regarding the motive, IOL has reported that those close to the investigation suggest that the killing may have stemmed from disputes involving business dealings or personal rivalries. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Landmark agreement with Meta to combat child exploitation in South Africa
Emma Sadleir and the legal team outside the Johannesburg High Court after protecting the rights of children who are being exploited on social media. Image: Facebook In a groundbreaking legal victory, the Digital Law Co (DLC) has secured an order in which Meta agreed to cooperate in the fight against child porn on its sites. Over the past two weeks, Emma Sadleir and her team fought a fierce legal battle against Meta, the parent company of Instagram and WhatsApp, in a bid to have disturbing posts of children removed from public sites. In the latest turn of events, DLC has secured a consent order, issued in the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, in which Meta has agreed to work closely with DLC. This case arose in response to the widespread circulation of sexually exploitative material involving South African schoolchildren on Meta-owned platforms. Meta had agreed to permanently remove, as far as is technically feasible, all Instagram accounts and WhatsApp Channels reported by DLC to them on behalf of victims, thereby cutting off public access to this deeply harmful material. The digital giant also agreed to disclose subscriber information for over 60 offending accounts across both platforms, enabling victims and their families to pursue justice through appropriate legal avenues. It will further establish a direct two-year hotline between The Digital Law Co and Meta to fast-track urgent child protection matters and ensure that future reports do not fall through the cracks. Sadleir responded that this is a powerful affirmation of what can be achieved when the law is used not only as a shield, but as a sword in defence of the most vulnerable. 'We believe this is the first time in South African legal history that a global tech giant has agreed, in writing and court, to these kinds of terms. We hope it signals a turning point in how platforms respond to harm within our jurisdiction,' Sadleir said. 'The work is not done. Technology evolves. Harms migrate. But we have taken a stand - and we believe South Africa is safer for it,' Sadleir said. Rorke Wilson of DLC, meanwhile, said part of the earlier court order has been complied with, as Meta has sent some details of the offending accounts, and more are expected to be sent on Wednesday. The hotline has also been very responsive, as some accounts have been taken down quickly. Rorke said from what they have seen, the person or persons who are behind these offending posts seem to have the wind taken out of their sails as these accounts are now cut before they're able to grow too big. Cape Times
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
DJ Sumbody's family welcomes arrests of suspects, thank police
Four men, including Sandton businessman Katiso 'KT' Molefe, were arrested in connection with the DJ's murder. DJ Sumbody during the 25th annual South African Music Awards at Sun City on 1 June 2019. Picture: Gallo Images/Lefty Shivambu The family of South African DJ, Oupa John Sefoka, popularly known as DJ Sumbody, has welcomed the recent arrest of four suspects linked to the popular DJ's murder. Gauteng police made a major breakthrough and arrested a prominent businessman and three alleged hitmen for orchestrating the assassination of DJ Sumbody and a separate hit-style murder. Accused Four men – Sandton businessman Katiso 'KT' Molefe, former police detective Michael Pule Tau, Musa Kekana and Tiego Floyd Mabusela – appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. The matter was postponed to next Tuesday to allow for further investigations and a formal bail application. ALSO READ: McKenzie suspends Kunene amid DJ Sumbody murder probe [VIDEO] The suspects face charges including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of illegal ammunition in connection with Sefoka's death. Molefe is alleged to have ordered the hit, while his three co-accused allegedly carried it out. Arrests welcomed The Be a Sumbody Foundation, on behalf of the Sefoka Family, on Tuesday, acknowledges the arrest of four suspects linked to the 'gruesome murder of our beloved Oupa John Mmanthokgo Sefoka.' 'While this development marks a critical step toward justice, the family is reliving the trauma of his untimely passing and respectfully requests privacy and space during this difficult time.' Police thanked The family thanked the police for their efforts in arresting the suspects. 'We extend our deepest gratitude to the South African Police Service (Saps), particularly the Gauteng Organised Crime Unit and the Political Task Team, for their relentless efforts in pursuing justice. 'The dedication of law enforcement has been instrumental in this case, and we remain hopeful for a thorough legal process. We also wish to thank South Africans, patriots and supporters of DJ Sumbody and the Be a Sumbody Foundation for their unwavering love, prayers, and solidarity. Your continued support has been a source of strength for the family.' Kenny Kunene suspended Meanwhile, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) has suspended its deputy president, Kenny Kunene, from all party activities for a month. Party leader Gayton McKenzie dealt Kunene the blow on Tuesday. McKenzie said Kunene will be investigated after he was found at the home of alleged mastermind of DJ Sumbody's murder, Katiso 'KT' Molefe. In an explosive revelation, Kunene confirmed that he was at Molefe's house when police arrived to arrest the suspected killer. Kunene claims he was at Molefe's house to facilitate a meeting for a journalist from his online publication, Africa Global News, for a 'potential exclusive story.' ALSO READ: Firearms used in DJ Sumbody's murder linked to 10 other high-profile cases
