Latest news with #Vereeniging
TimesLIVE
13 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Guns used in DJ Sumbody murder linked to at least 10 cases, say police
The firearms that killed Oupa John Sefoka, known as DJ Sumbody, including an AK-47 rifle, are linked to at least 10 high-profile cases that include murder and attempted murder. This was disclosed on Tuesday by national police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe outside the Alexandra magistrate's court in Johannesburg, where four people appeared in connection with the November 2022 murder of Sefoka and his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza. The trio were ambushed in a hail of bullets in Woodmead in what police believe was a planned execution. Sandton businessman Katiso 'KT' Molefe, accused of being the mastermind who ordered the hit on DJ Sumbody, was arrested on Monday. His co-accused and alleged hitmen are Michael Pule Tau, Tiego Floyd Mabusela and Musa Kekana. According to the charge sheet, the four face three counts of murder and unlawful possession of firearms. On Tuesday, the prosecution said new information had come to their attention that needed to be investigated before they could proceed with a bail application by Molefe. The case was postponed to July 29, with the court ordering Molefe be kept at the Kgoši Mampuru correctional centre in Tshwane. Molefe had been out on bail after being arrested in connection with the murder of Armand Swart, a Vereeniging engineer killed in April last year after his company allegedly flagged price gouging in a Transnet tender. The alleged hitmen in the same matter, Tau, Mabusela and Kekana, were in custody. Mabusela and Kekana also face charges of attempted murder in the Vusi 'Cat' Matlala case of attempted murder on his ex-girlfriend Tebogo Thobejane. Mathe told the media that within three hours of the murder of Swart, Gauteng organised crime detectives tracked down three suspects. During the arrests they seized one AK-47 rifle and three pistols. 'Those firearms have been in custody since. They were taken for ballistics testing.'
IOL News
14 hours ago
- IOL News
EFF praises arrest of suspects in DJ Sumbody's murder case
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 The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has welcomed the arrest of the four suspects linked to the murder of Oupa John Sefoka, popularly known as DJ Sumbody. This comes after the suspected killers appeared before the Alexandra Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, following their arrest 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. Mathe confirmed that the suspects, aged between 45 and 60, were apprehended on Monday afternoon. 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." 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. [email protected]
The South African
15 hours ago
- The South African
Firearms linked to DJ Sumbody murder tied to 10 more high-profile cases
Police have linked the firearms used in the murders of DJ Sumbody and his bodyguards to at least 10 other high-profile criminal cases. Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that one of the weapons was also used in the killing of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart. Mathe said that the same suspects in the DJ Sumbody murder case were also the suspects in Armand Swart's case. DJ SUMBODY'S ALLEGED KILLERS ARRESTED It is alleged that two of the four suspects are linked to the attempted murder of Tebogo Thobejane. The four suspects, aged between 45 and 60, were arrested on Monday, 21 July. The popular DJ was brutally shot and killed on 20 November 2022 in Woodmead, Johannesburg. Investigators believe three of the suspects acted as hitmen, while the fourth suspect allegedly ordered the hit on DJ Sumbody. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has welcomed the breakthrough, calling it significant and a step toward providing closure for the affected families. 'Well done to the teams that have been piecing together evidence since November 2022. This is the culmination of hard work and a firm commitment to justice,' said Masemola. He added that the case was complex and required investigators to take their time to ensure a thorough investigation and build a strong prosecution case. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Spaza Shop Awareness Campaign benefits business owners
Government's Spaza Shop Support Awareness Campaign is providing much-needed clarity while also encouraging business owners to do things by the book. 'Before today, I didn't know where to start or which documents were truly necessary. This workshop answered questions I've had for years. Now, I understand what compliance actually means and how to meet those expectations,' spaza shop owner Matshidiso Mooki said. Mooki was among those who attended the session held at the City Hall in the Vereeniging Central Business District in Gauteng recently. She said the campaign brought clarity. 'I am determined to ensure that I comply with all the regulations so that I can qualify for support through the Spaza Shop Support Fund,' she said of the session. The campaign offered spaza shop owners and township-based convenience store operators critical information on how to apply for both financial and non-financial support under the R500m fund that was launched by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau and Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni Abrahams in April. For Matome Tshabalala, the information received at the session was a game changer. He started his shop after the Covid-19 lockdown. 'I've always operated informally, but now I want to do things the right way. What stood out for me was the emphasis on record-keeping and understanding zoning laws. I also appreciated the introduction to stock management and bookkeeping,' he said. The campaign, which aims to formalise and support township-based enterprises, brought together local spaza shop owners, government officials and business development stakeholders. Compliance Participants at the session heard about the importance of compliance requirements for spaza shop permit applications. Matshepo Madumbo, the assistant manager of Local Economic Development and Tourism at Emfuleni Local Municipality, emphasised the importance of adhering to municipal regulations when applying for permits. 'Many residential areas are not zoned for commercial activity. For a spaza shop to operate legally, the property owner must apply for a rezoning certificate. Without that, the business cannot be recognised as compliant. 'I cannot stress the importance of submitting a stamped building plan, an occupancy certificate, certified identity document, a proof of address no older than three months, and registration documents from the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) along with a valid tax clearance certificate,' she said. Madumbo noted that failure to comply with these requirements often leads to unnecessary delays and missed opportunities for funding and supplier networks. 'The Spaza Shop Support Campaign continues to rollout across provinces, ensuring that township entrepreneurs are not only included in the broader economic framework but are also equipped to thrive within it. 'By focusing on compliance, formalisation, and access to resources, the campaign is helping to level the playing field for small business owners in underserved communities,' said the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the Department of Small Business Development. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The Citizen
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Boxing, legends and legacy at Night of Champions
VEREENIGING – The Night of Champions boxing event at Barnyard Vereeniging on May 18 delivered action from start to finish, and even featured a Springbok legend in the crowd. Former rugby giant Kobus Wiese, part of South Africa's iconic 1995 World Cup winning team, was in attendance to support a very special fighter; his daughter, who stepped into the ring with determination and grit. The evening featured a full card of thrilling bouts, showcasing local talent and drawing a lively crowd of supporters. Fists flew, corners roared, and the energy inside the venue never let up. More than just a night of combat, the event celebrated the spirit of resilience and growth in the local boxing scene. Each fighter brought heart, and every round was a testament to hours of training and sacrifice. With legends like Wiese in the audience and promising young athletes in the ring, Night of Champions proved that Vereeniging is punching above its weight when it comes to hosting top-tier combat sports. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
