Bail judgment looms for controversial businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala

September 8, 2025 167

Judgment in the bail application of businessman, Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, who is accused of orchestrating a hit on his former girlfriend, media personality Tebogo Thobejane, is expected to be delivered on September 17.

The state has wrapped up its closing arguments at the Alexandra Magistrates Court today, presenting details of Matlala’s alleged financial dealings and irregular travel history.

According to the prosecution, Matlala holds a trust account in Mauritius and that Home Affairs records show he crossed into eSwatini on foot three times without ever officially returning to South Africa.

Matlala has denied these claims, stating he has no business ties in eSwatini and does not hold a passport from the country.

– Defence Pushes Back –

Matlala’s lawyer, Laurence Hodes, moved to dismiss the attempted murder charges, arguing that Matlala and Thobejane had ended their relationship three years prior to the shooting and that there was no motive for him to orchestrate an attack.

The defence also rejected the prosecution’s claim that Matlala withheld his South African passport, asserting that it had already been submitted to the court in a previous hearing.

The 49-year-old businessman told the court he is willing to be placed under house arrest while investigations continue and requested bail.

Thobejane: ‘I Still Live in Fear’

The court also heard that media personality, Tebogo Thobejane, continues to be traumatised and feels unsafe following the 2023 shooting incident, which took place on the N1 highway near Sandton.

In a text message to the investigating officer, Thobejane reportedly said she “lives in fear.” During the incident, she was shot in the foot, while her companion sustained spinal injuries.

The businessman maintains he only found out about the shooting via social media and denies any involvement.