NPA to oppose any bail appeal by Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala

The National Prosecuting Authority says it will oppose any attempt by controversial businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala to appeal the denial of his bail.

The Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday dismissed Matlala’s bail application, citing him as a flight risk.

Matlala faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and money laundering after his former partner, socialite Tebogo Thobejane, was allegedly targeted in a drive-by shooting in Sandton, Johannesburg, in October 2023.

The state argued that Matlala poses a significant risk, noting that he owns a private jet and has travelled abroad at least seven times between 2012 and 2024. Prosecutors also cited his alleged history of buying his way out of criminal cases, and raised concerns that he could interfere with witnesses, many of whom are said to be closely connected to him.

Gauteng NPA spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, welcomed the decision, stating that Matlala had failed to meet the legal threshold to prove that his release would serve the interests of justice.

In her judgment, Magistrate Prinsloo found that Matlala had not demonstrated the state’s case against him is so weak that bail should be granted.

She noted that while his defence has raised questions about financial transactions and challenged the credibility of the complainant, the state has presented coherent and document‑supported evidence. At this stage, she concluded, the defence has not shown the state’s case is so tenuous that it should be dismissed.

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Mathe expressed confidence in the strength of the evidence against Matlala, saying the cases against him are “water‑tight”.

The police claim to have linked him to 18 criminal cases, using an AK‑47 and two pistols.

Matlala is accused of orchestrating multiple assassination attempts, including a botched hit on taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni in Centurion in 2022, which left Sibanyoni and two others injured.

He is also implicated in the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, socialite Tebogo Thobejane, who sustained a leg injury during a 2023 shooting near the N1 Highway in Sandton. A companion was left with a paralyzing spinal injury.

In another case, Matlala allegedly masterminded a failed hit on DJ Vettys and two others following a gig in January last year.

Many citizens argue that the 49‑year‑old businessman should remain incarcerated.

“Cat Matlala should not get bail because, if you look at his criminal history according to investigations, he is a cruel person and a danger to society,” said one.

“He should absolutely not be released. Things like women being killed are not right. As women, we don’t feel safe and fear we might be next,” said another.

The matter has been postponed to October 7.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao