JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – July 21, 2025 – In a significant development nearly two years after the assassination of beloved South African artist DJ Sumbody, police have arrested four men, including the suspected mastermind who allegedly ordered the hit. The arrests mark a pivotal moment in the high-profile murder case that has gripped the nation.
National police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe confirmed on Monday that four men, aged between 45 and 60, were apprehended in Gauteng. The arrests are the result of a lengthy and complex investigation into the November 2022 murder of the DJ, whose real name was Oupa John Sefoka.
“Three of the suspects are believed to be hitmen and one is believed to have ordered the hit on the DJ,” Brig Mathe stated in a press release.
The breakthrough came from a collaborative effort between Gauteng organised crime detectives and the SAPS political killings task team. According to Mathe, the investigation was painstaking, culminating in the coordinated arrests on Monday afternoon.
Investigators also seized the weapon allegedly used to carry out the murder. In a chilling discovery, forensic analysis has linked the firearm to other unsolved murder cases, suggesting the suspects may be part of a larger criminal syndicate.
All four suspects are currently in police custody and are facing charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. They are expected to appear in court in the coming days.
National Police Commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola commended the joint investigation team for their relentless work.
“This is a significant breakthrough that will hopefully provide closure to families involved,” said Gen Masemola. “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. This is a culmination of hard work and dedication to justice.”
DJ Sumbody, a prominent figure in the Amapiano music scene, was gunned down in a hail of bullets in Johannesburg in November 2022, sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry and sparking widespread calls for justice. The arrests are the first major step towards holding those responsible for his death accountable.