The state has confirmed it is preparing to consolidate two additional criminal cases opened at the Pretoria West and Lyttelton police stations against controversial businessman, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
While the nature of the charges has not yet been disclosed, the state indicated that the cases will be merged with existing proceedings.
Matlala, his wife Tsakani, co-accused, Musa Kekana and Tiego Floyd Mabusela, appeared in the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court over charges of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
This is in relation to an alleged attempt on the life of Matlala’s former girlfriend and media personality, Tebogo Thobejane.
In a packed and heavily guarded courtroom, the state revealed that the accused were allegedly involved in a drive-by shooting in Sandton last year, which left Thobejane’s friend seriously injured.
Authorities believe the group used laundered funds and submitted fraudulent invoices to disguise the origin of money linked to the murder plot.
Appearing suited and shackled, Matlala remained composed as the court heard damning claims of collusion and the attempted assassination spanning several months in 2023.
Defence lawyers strongly criticised the State for allegedly withholding key evidence, including forensic data extracted from Matlala’s cellphone.
They argued that they could not proceed with the bail application until they had full access to the investigation docket.
“Accused number 3 [Matlala] is accused of hiring people to commit the so-called contact killing, he’s charged with attempted murder for that. Now the basis is and if one looks at the affidavit of the investigating officer which has been sworn to and being tested – she makes allegations that he had paid people to do that, now then they go into his back statements and they investigate certain aspects. We haven’t gotten those bank statements and they are relying on the bank statements,” said the defence lawyer.
The State confirmed that it will share all outstanding information with the defence teams over the next three weeks, after Magistrate Reneir Boshoff dismissed the defence’s application to compel the State to immediately disclose outstanding parts of the docket.
Boshoff also ruled that court proceedings should not be broadcast due to safety concerns.
Matlala, who is being held at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre under maximum security, was reportedly found in possession of a cellphone earlier this week.
Furthermore, Matlala’s name has surfaced in explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. In a bombshell media briefing, Mkhwanazi claimed that Matlala has links to Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, an allegation Mchunu has since denied, claiming he has never spoken to or received anything from the businessman.
Matlala and his two co-accused remain in custody and are due back in court on August 26 for a bail application. The state has indicated its intention to transfer the case to the Johannesburg High Court.
Matlala’s wife, who is also an accused in the matter, is out on bail. Written by Lebohang Ndashe
