In the shadowy world of South Africa’s underground dealings, a massive drug shipment worth millions vanished from police custody in KwaZulu-Natal several years ago, setting off a chain of events that would lead to the tragic end of a beloved music figure This lost consignment, meant to stay hidden, somehow reappeared on the streets of JOHANNESBURG, where it was sold at bargain prices, drawing the fury of its original owners, a powerful group known only as the Big Five At the center of this storm stood Oupa John Sefoka, better known to his fans as DJ Sumbody, a talented disc jockey and entrepreneur whose life was cut short because he allegedly played a part in moving those very drugs What began as a simple business favor spiraled into a deadly feud, pulling in club owners, musicians, and even high-level figures in a web of betrayal and retribution that exposed deep corruption in the nation’s underbelly
DJ Sumbody, born on 9 June 1980 in Pretoria, rose from humble beginnings to become a key player in the amapiano music scene, a genre that pulses with energy and has taken South Africa by storm Growing up in the vibrant streets of what locals call Pitori, he started his career promoting events in Pretoria, building a name for himself through hard work and charisma His hit songs, like Ayepyep featuring DJ Tira, Thebe, and Emza, and Monate Mpolaye with Cassper Nyovest and Thebe, captured the hearts of listeners across the country Beyond music, he ventured into business, owning the popular Ayepyep Lifestyle clubs in Menlyn, Pretoria, and later in Cape Town
These spots became hotspots for nightlife, drawing crowds eager for good times and great beats Yet, beneath this success lay connections that would prove fatal, tying him to a world far removed from the stage lights and dance floors The fateful night unfolded on 20 November 2022, in the upscale area of Woodmead, JOHANNESBURG DJ Sumbody had just finished performing at News Cafe, a venue where he often showcased his skills
As he drove along the corner of Woodmead and Woodland drives in Sandton, unknown attackers ambushed his vehicle Armed with an AK-47 rifle, they fired 48 gunshots relentlessly, executing him and his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza, in a precise and ruthless manner The scene was one of chaos, with bullets piercing the cars and leaving no chance for escape This was no random act; it bore the marks of a planned hit, linked to grudges that had been simmering for years
Police later recovered the weapon, which ballistics tests connected to at least ten other high-profile cases, hinting at a single group pulling strings behind multiple tragedies The roots of this tragedy trace back to that missing drug consignment in KwaZulu-Natal According to details from police insiders and those close to the entertainment world, the shipment disappeared under mysterious circumstances while in official custody, only to resurface in JOHANNESBURG’s club scene Sold at reduced prices, it caught the eye of the Big Five, a syndicate determined to reclaim what they saw as theirs
DJ Sumbody entered this dangerous picture when people holding the drugs approached him for assistance At the time, he was expanding his empire, opening the Cape Town branch of Ayepyep, and his role seemed innocent at first—he was asked to arrange a meeting with a businessman in Cape Town Sources familiar with the events indicate that he facilitated this encounter, but it quickly turned sour The Cape Town contact, aware of the drugs’ origins, warned the group about the Big Five’s search and later informed the syndicate himself to avoid suspicion
This tip-off placed DJ Sumbody in the crosshairs The Big Five, fearing he knew too much about their operations, added his name to a list of targets Insiders describe how one member of the group argued against harming him, pointing out that DJ Sumbody focused solely on lifestyle and entertainment, lacking any real stomach for criminal activities Despite this plea, the majority decided his knowledge posed too great a risk, sealing his fate
Warnings reached him in the months leading up to the attack, urging him to leave JOHANNESBURG for safety On the day of the incident, he had reportedly packed his bags, planning a move to Cape Town Breaking from his habit, he did not promote his final gig at News Cafe on social media, perhaps sensing the danger closing in This feud extended beyond DJ Sumbody, claiming other lives in the showbiz circle
Sandile DJ Citi Lyts Mkhize, a rapper known for his contributions to the scene, fell victim to the same underlying conflicts Thulani Heavy Pablo Msimango, another artist with ties to the nightlife, met a similar end Hector Ginimbi Buthelezi, who performed as DJ Vintos, also became a casualty in this spreading web Each case pointed to disputes over the resurfaced drugs, with the Big Five enforcing their control through fear
The connections grew even more intricate with DJ Sumbody’s search for funding to open the Menlyn branch of Ayepyep He initially approached a prominent taxi boss who has since passed away, but secured support from taxi billionaire Joe Sibanyoni, nicknamed Joe Ferrari Not long after the taxi boss’s death, Sibanyoni hosted a gathering at a venue called Mercedes, where one of DJ Sumbody’s close associates, Seunkie DJ Vettys Mukubung, captured photos and shared them online with a caption highlighting friendships DJ Vettys, real name Seunkie Mokubung, is a Tshwane-based artist famous for hits like Ngwana Daddy and his collaborations with DJ Sumbody
He owns the Hawayu Lifestyle pub in Tshwane, a place buzzing with energy much like Ayepyep His social media posts from that party included images with rapper Cassper Nyovest, nearly drawing unwanted attention to the popular musician The dangers escalated when DJ Vettys survived an attack in January 2024, struck by two out of four bullets aimed at him He spent three weeks in a Tshwane hospital recovering and later shared that he felt DJ Sumbody’s presence during the ordeal, as if his friend had intervened spiritually
Dressed in a black T-shirt and blue sports hat, the vision of DJ Sumbody reportedly said words meaning not to harm his boy, providing comfort in a moment of peril DJ Vettys expressed forgiveness toward his attackers, believing they targeted friends of DJ Sumbody Deeper probes revealed more about DJ Sumbody’s funding deals Sources close to the investigation suggest he received money from the late taxi boss to launch the Pretoria Ayepyep in exchange for allowing drug sales at the venue
He initially agreed but backed out, promising instead to handle it at the Cape Town club After opening that branch, he broke this promise too, which reportedly triggered the final decision to eliminate him This breach of trust amplified the Big Five’s anger, viewing it as a direct challenge to their authority The investigation gained momentum with arrests on a recent Monday, when four suspects aged between 45 and 60 appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court
Among them was businessman Katiso KT Molefe, accused of masterminding the hit Others included Micheal Pule Tau, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, and Musa Kekana Molefe’s past added layers to the story; He is not new to drugs He served four years in a United Kingdom prison in 2003 for drug trafficking
Source: My Zimbabwe
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Source: Myzimbabwe
