NPA confirms Matlala’s intention to appeal bail denial

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala intends to appeal the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court’s decision to deny him bail.

Matlala made a brief appearance in the same court on Tuesday, facing charges linked to the 2023 attempted murder of his former girlfriend and media personality, Tebogo Thobejane.

The matter was postponed to 11 November to allow the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) time to consider a request to centralise two additional dockets from Pretoria West and Lyttleton, both tied to ongoing investigations.

The Pretoria West docket involves the January 2024 shooting of DJ Vettys.

The Lyttelton docket relates to the 2022 murder of taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni, who was gunned down outside Centurion Golf Estate.

In September, the court ruled that Matlala had failed to prove he is not a flight risk and that he could interfere with state witnesses or obstruct justice. The court further found that releasing him on bail would not serve the interests of justice.

The NPA has now received a formal motion from Matlala’s legal team, signalling their intention to challenge that ruling.

This development comes as the High Court has reserved judgment in the bail application of Matlala’s co-accused, Katiso ‘KT’ Molefe, in the separate DJ Sumbody murder case.

NPA spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, acknowledged the appeal but emphasised that the State will continue to oppose bail.

Mjonondwane added that the magistrates’ court ruling was sound and not miscalculated, and confirmed that the State is currently awaiting dates for the appeal hearing and approval from the NDPP on the centralisation request.

In Tuesday’s court appearance, Matlala was joined by co-accused Musa Kekana, Floyd Mabusela, Tsakane Matlala (his wife), and Nthabiseng Nzama, all facing multiple charges related to the alleged hit on Thobejane.

Thobejane, who survived the shooting, has since fled the country out of fear for her life and is now living in an undisclosed location abroad. She has publicly accused Matlala of orchestrating the attack — claims he strongly denies.

Matlala, Mabusela, and Kekana remain in custody, while Nzama and Tsakane Matlala are currently out on bail.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe