Malcolm X buries Lebeya, confirming call to former Hawks boss on day of KT Molefe’s arrest
Former Hawks Boss, Godfrey Lebeya, and a Johannesburg businessman, Malcolm X, who was implicated to corruption.
image: supplied
by Mathipa Phishego
In a dramatic twist that adds further intrigue to one of South Africa’s most controversial criminal investigations, prominent businessman and social commentator Malcolm X has publicly confirmed that he contacted former Hawks head, Dr. Godfrey Lebeya, on the day of KT Molefe’s high-profile arrest in December.
Speaking to eNCA News, Malcolm X stated that he made the call on behalf of one of his clients the brother of Molefe in an attempt to verify whether a warrant of arrest had been issued. “I was merely relaying a concern raised by a client. It was not an attempt to interfere or influence the process,” he told reporters.
KT Molefe, a politically connected figure with alleged ties to several high-ranking officials and underworld figures, is at the center of a swirling investigation into the brutal killings of South African music icon DJ Sumbody (real name Oupa Sefoka) and Transnet engineer Armand Swart. Both murders sent shockwaves through the country and have remained unresolved mysteries until Molefe’s name emerged as a suspect.
Despite Malcolm X’s insistence that the call was purely informational. Critics have raised questions about the propriety of contacting a former law enforcement official during an ongoing investigation. Dr. Godfrey Lebeya, who led the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (commonly known as the Hawks) until late last year, has since publicly distanced himself from the matter.
In a firm denial issued through his legal representative, Lebeya said, “I was not involved in the arrest of Mr. Molefe in any capacity, nor did I interfere in any aspect of the investigation. I am no longer in a position of authority within the Hawks and had no access to operational decisions.”
Former Hawks Boss, Godfrey Lebeya who is tagged into Oupa Sefoka and Ambart Swart’s murder
While Lebeya’s denial may allay concerns over official misconduct, the call itself raises broader issues around access to power and the potential for behind-the-scenes influence in high-stakes legal matters. The fact is that even well-intentioned inquiries can appear as attempts to apply pressure on law enforcement, especially when coming from figures with substantial social or political influence.
The Hawks, now under new leadership, have not commented on whether the phone call formed part of their internal review into Molefe’s arrest. However, the timing and the involvement of high-profile individuals have added a layer of sensitivity to the case.
KT Molefe remains in custody, facing a string of charges that authorities say may expand as the investigation develops. With public attention intensifying and political implications looming large, the coming weeks could prove pivotal not only for Molefe but for the integrity of South Africa’s justice system.