In our last explainer, we unpacked the so-called ‘Big Five’, a shadowy criminal cartel allegedly infiltrating South Africa’s justice system. The Madlanga Commission, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is exposing how this network of businessmen, officials, and enforcers allegedly traded influence, contracts and even lives.
Now, we turn to one of the men at the centre of it all: Katiso “KT” Molefe.
The Sandton businessman whose rise from public service to alleged underworld kingpin shows just how blurred the line between politics and organised crime has become.
Who is Katiso “KT” Molefe?
Molefe is a 61-year-old Sandton businessman with an impressive CV and a history in public sector gigs.
He was once Provincial Manager at the National Lotteries Board, handling grants and projects.
According to investigators and multiple witnesses at the Madlanga Commission, that polished image hides something darker: a man deeply embedded in the Big Five syndicate, accused of using his business empire to launder money, bribe officials, and bankroll violent hits.
What are Molefe’s previous controversies?
Molefe’s rap sheet and reputation predate the Madlanga inquiry.
He’s been accused of murder, drug trafficking, and fraud, with links to some of the country’s most shocking recent killings.
In 2022, links surfaced to the killings of amapiano artist DJ Sumbody (Oupa Sefoka) and DJ Vintos, both believed to have stemmed from business disputes and extortion rackets.
In 2023, he was also accused of orchestrating an attempted hit on actress Tebogo Thobejane, allegedly over a business fallout (the same case that briefly entangled Matlala).
In July 2025, things came to a head. Police raided Molefe’s Midrand mansion, uncovering luxury goods and cash. Bail was denied at first over flight risks but granted at R400,000 in early October, this is despite fears he’d intimidate witnesses.
What has the Commission heard so far?
The Madlanga Commission has revealed just how central Molefe allegedly is to the Big Five’s operations, from political manipulation to violent enforcement.
- 6 July – Mkhwanazi’s Press Briefing: Mkhwanazi’s initial accusations pointed to syndicates protecting figures like Molefe in political killings and cartel ops.
- 17-19 September – Mkhwanazi’s Testimony: He accused Molefe of corrupting a Johannesburg Metro Police K9 officer, Johannes Makgatle, who handled vehicle renewals, confidential checks, and protocol bends for favours, sparking a JMPD internal investigation.
- 29 September – Khumalo’s Testimony: Khumalo pegged Molefe as a ‘Big Five’ leader, detailing his hand in drugs, hijackings, and tender scams, with syndicates as operational arms.
- 20-21 October – Witness A’s Testimony: The detective tied Molefe directly to masterminding the April 2024 mistaken-identity murder of Transnet engineer Armand Swart (meant for a whistleblower exposing a 4,500% tender markup). Evidence? Phone logs and WhatsApps linking Molefe to cop Michael Pule Tau and hitmen Musa Kekana and Tiego Floyd Mabusela. Investigators faced cartel pushback, including threats and evidence suppression.
Like Matlala, Molefe doesn’t operate alone.
The Commission’s evidence points to enablers like Brown Mogotsi (a North West businessman and ex-ANC insider accused of leaking info and rigging tenders for the cartel) and Major General Lesetja Senona (KZN Hawks boss implicated in sharing secrets with Matlala) keep the machine running.
What emerged from Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee?
While the Madlanga Commission digs into the ‘Big Five’ cartel’s grip on South Africa’s justice system, Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee is also on the case, probing claims of political meddling in SAPS since kicking off on 7 October.
From 8-9 October, Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi called out Molefe as a major ‘Big Five’ player, saying he leaned hard to shut down the PKTT just to dodge heat on his drug and extortion schemes. The claims line up with what’s coming out in the Madlanga Commission but zero in on how SAPS brass dropped the ball. In Mid-October, suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu got roasted by the committee’s 11 MPs, swearing he never shielded Molefe or any cartel. But EFF’s Julius Malema hammered Mchunu over WhatsApp chats that hint Molefe was funneling ANC cash through middleman Brown Mogotsi.
The committee’s got till 28 November to wrap, with ex-minister Bheki Cele set to spill more from 23 October.
Molefe was once a public servant, but is now accused of operating at the heart of a criminal enterprise that allegedly corrupts law enforcement and silences whistleblowers through fear and influence.
As the Madlanga Commission continues, Molefe remains a key figure to watch.
This story forms part of our ongoing series explaining the Madlanga Commission and the police crisis currently under the spotlight. Check out our latest here
Emma is a freshly graduated Journalist from Stellenbosch University, who also holds an Honours in history. She joined the explain team, eager to provide thorough and truthful information and connect with her generation.
