KT Molefe’s Cartel Links (The Big 5) & Fugitive Nephew Still on The Run

Businessman KT Molefe remains at the centre of growing scrutiny as law enforcement probes his alleged ties to The Big Five cartel, a criminal network linked to multiple high-profile assassinations and state capture. Despite his current release on bail, investigators continue to expose deeper connections, not only involving Molefe but also his fugitive nephew, Lucky Boitumelo Molefe.

The Rise of KT Molefe and the Criminal Cartel Network

The Big Five, also referred to as “The Firm” or “The Farm,” has allegedly entrenched itself in state systems, using shell companies, corrupt officials, and hired assassins to protect criminal operations. KT Molefe’s alleged involvement places him among a powerful elite accused of using state institutions for private gain.

Read how Witness A reveals details of Katiso Molefe’s 2024 arrest during testimony at the Madlanga Commission.

According to witness testimony at the Madlanga Commission, the cartel operates across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape, exploiting procurement systems and manipulating investigations.

“The fixers are high-ranking police officials. The hitmen are just pawns,” testified Witness B, a police investigator.

KT Molefe’s Cartel Links (The Big 5) Reach Deep into the Justice System

The commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, has heard alarming evidence of sabotage, cover-ups, and death threats tied to Molefe’s network.

Witnesses revealed that firearms tied to the Swart murder case were also linked to over 30 other cases, including the assassinations of DJ Sumbody and DJ Vintos.

Delays in ballistic reports and intentional interference were allegedly used to derail multiple prosecutions — including the 2023 attempted murder of actress Tebogo Thobejane.

The Swart Murder: Tender Fraud and Mistaken Identity

The murder of engineer Armand Swart on 17 April 2024 exposed a web of corruption at Transnet Freight Rail. Investigators believe the killing was triggered by Swart’s employer, Q Tech, exposing a massive price inflation scheme.

Discover how investigators linked Katiso Molefe to the Armand Swart murder in this detailed breakdown of the case.

Springs valued at R4 per unit were sold to Transnet at R151 each, facilitated through a middle company — SK Group — which had direct links to Molefe’s nephew, Lucky Molefe, a Transnet buyer.

Swart, not the whistleblower, was likely killed in a case of mistaken identity.

Fugitive Nephew Lucky Molefe Still Missing

Despite multiple arrests, Lucky Molefe remains at large. SAPS confirmed a warrant was issued in December 2024, but efforts to locate him have failed.

“Police are still searching for Lucky Boitumelo Molefe. He is warned to hand himself over,” said SAPS spokesperson Vincent Mukhathi.

Audio messages presented to the commission show Lucky was warned to evade arrest, allegedly by members of The Big Five, who offered him protection and a safe house.

Internal Protection and Threats to Investigators

Witness B revealed an alleged plot to kill investigators, with a R350,000 bounty reportedly placed on her head.

“We’ve detached from our families. We’re housed in safe locations,” she told the commission.

She also praised KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for exposing corrupt SAPS officers.

“I will die peacefully knowing I was doing the right thing.”

Legal Proceedings and Bail Concerns

KT Molefe has been granted bail totalling R500,000, despite state objections and evidence linking him to cartel activity.

Gauteng High Court Judge Brad Wanless ruled the state failed to present “real evidence” tying Molefe to the crime syndicate, highlighting the difficulty in prosecuting organised crime figures with deep networks.

Learn why Commissioner Mkhwanazi retracted allegations against Police Minister Bheki Cele during the recent commission hearing.

The Broader Impact on Public Trust

The Molefe case highlights South Africa’s urgent need to strengthen prosecutorial independence and protect whistleblowers. It also reflects the alarming depth of corruption in state institutions, where justice can be obstructed from within.

As the Madlanga Commission continues, more testimony is expected to further unravel the structure of The Big Five and its influence on criminal justice.