Major Breakthrough in DJ Sumbody Murder: 4 Suspects Arrested
After nearly three years, police have made a major breakthrough in the murder case of popular musician and Ayepyep Lifestyle co-founder Oupa John Sefoka, better known as DJ Sumbody. The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed they have arrested four men linked to his brutal assassination in November 2022.
DJ Sumbody was gunned down in a hail of bullets in the early hours of 20 November 2022 while driving in Woodmead, Johannesburg. Two of his bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza, were also killed during the deadly ambush.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Four Arrested in DJ Sumbody Murder Case
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the arrests, saying four men aged between 45 and 60 were picked up on Monday afternoon. According to police, three of the suspects were allegedly hired as hitmen, while the fourth suspect is accused of being the mastermind who ordered the hit on DJ Sumbody.
“The three hitmen and alleged mastermind are facing three counts of murder; these charges include the murder of DJ Sumbody and his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza. The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, has welcomed the latest breakthrough by the SAPS Political Killings Task Team, working closely with Gauteng Organised Crime Detectives. Gauteng organised crime detectives worked on the case and later roped in the SAPS Political Killings Task Team to assist. The arrests were all effected in Gauteng on Monday afternoon, and three of the suspects are believed to be hitmen and one is believed to have ordered the hit on the DJ,” said Mathe.
Also read: DJ Sumbody’s Murder Case Declared Cold After Two Years of Stalled Investigations
SAPS Task Teams Praised for the Breakthrough
Police say the arrests came after months of hard work by Gauteng’s Organised Crime Unit, supported by the SAPS Political Killings Task Team. Mathe explained that officers seized a firearm believed to have been used in the shooting, and investigations have since linked the weapon to other murders, too.
All four suspects remain in police custody ahead of their court appearance.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola praised the investigating team, saying this breakthrough could bring some comfort to the families of the victims. Masemola stressed that officers took their time to ensure a thorough investigation.
“Well done to the teams that have been piecing together evidence since November 2022. This is a culmination of hard work and dedication to justice. This is one of those complex cases that our teams needed to take their time in ensuring a thorough investigation so that we could ultimately bring a strong case before court,” said Masemola.
The four men face several charges, including murder and conspiracy to commit murder.