Musician and businessman DJ Sumbody laid to rest
“They shot him like he was a gangster or drug dealer and he was none of those things,” says his business associate.
Police are still investigating the killing of musician and businessman Oupa John Sefoka (38) aka DJ Sumbody, as he was laid to rest on Saturday.
Mourners gathered in Ga-Masemola, Limpopo, to bid a final farewell to Sefoka who was gunned down in a hail of bullets six days prior his funeral.
He was allegedly coming from a gig in Woodmead when he and his security detail were ambushed near Engen Woodlands in Sandton.
Sefoka was a renowned South African DJ, radio personality and successful co-owner of the restaurant and entertainment bar Ayepyep and Top-Notch in Pretoria among other ventures.
Oupa’s business associate Tshepi Ranamane said Sefoka owned the best establishment in Pretoria.
Ranamane said since September, Sefoka was frightened by killings around his business ventures.
“He was a great businessman and in September we collaborated to run an event called – The Flavour Market – at Loftus Stadium.
“After the event someone was fatally shot. Two days later someone else was killed in Sunnyside, just outside Top Notch – Oupa’s other club.
“In Mabopane, another person was shot dead,” Ranamane added.
He said the killings frightened Oupa that he self-isolated.
“We had to attend meetings in his home as he was scared.
“One of the people who was killed drove a similar car to his in make and colour, he thought someone was after him,” Ranamane said.
“I dismissed it as paranoia and I wish I didn’t because maybe I could have paid better attention to his security detail.”
He said he could not understand how someone could brutally kill such a harmless person.
“His mom even asked me what Oupa had done to be killed in that manner.
“They shot him like he was a gangster or drug dealer and he was none of those things.”
“I am so sorry my friend… rest in peace,” Ranamane said.
EFF leader Julius Malema said ,“We must celebrate his life”.
“He was killed with a gun meant for wars. He was shot with about 49 bullets and he did not even have a rifle on him to defend himself.”
Malema urged law enforcement to act on crime in Pretoria.
“Police must trace his killer and must prioritise his crime like a high-profile case.
“Minister Bheki Cele must inspire confidence by hastily finding his killer so the family can find closure.”
Oupa’s brother Koketso Sefoka paid tribute to the bodyguard killed with his brother.
“To Sbu Walter Mokoena, my brother’s bodyguard and friend, thank you very much. You fought a good fight.
“You put your life on the line for my brother in all three attempts on his life, three as mentioned. I thank you my brother and I will never forget what you’ve done.
“Those who are responsible for taking my brother’s life, you might’ve taken his life but his spirit and legacy live on and I will fight for that legacy. I am my brother’s keeper.”
DJ Sumbody studied at the Tshwane University of Technology before pursuing his dream in the music industry as a volunteer producer and presenter of Mashaedi on the Engage at a popular youth community radio station in Tshwane.
Tshwane mayor Randall Williams also extended his condolences.
“I want to extend my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Oupa. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said the police were investigating the incident.
“Police received a complaint about the shooting at approximately 00:30.
“Upon arrival, they found two people inside a VW Golf with gunshot wounds. Both victims, a driver and a passenger, were certified dead.”
Masondo said the motive for the shooting was still unknown at this stage.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
