2025 in Review | The Cat Matlala court saga — a year of bail battles and High Court drama

One of South Africa’s most closely watched legal sagas centred on Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, the controversial businessman accused of orchestrating an attempted hit on his former girlfriend, media personality Tebogo Thobejane.

Marked by tense bail hearings, strategic legal manoeuvres and significant prosecutorial moves, the case kept the country watching as it moved steadily through the courts. Below is a chronological look at how the Matlala saga unfolded over the year.

– NPA confirms Matlala’s intention to appeal bail denial –

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that Matlala would appeal the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court decision to deny him bail, after the court ruled that he posed a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses.

As part of its strategy, the State sought to consolidate multiple dockets linked to shootings and killings in Pretoria West and Lyttleton to strengthen its case. Matlala and his co-accused, Musa Kekana and Floyd Mabusela, remained in custody, while two others — including his wife, Tsakane Matlala — were granted bail.

– Judgment looms in Matlala bail appeal –

The bail appeal later reached the Johannesburg High Court, with judgment eagerly anticipated. The State maintained that Matlala remained a flight risk and could compromise the investigation.

While the defence argued that the case relied largely on circumstantial evidence and proposed strict bail conditions — including house arrest and access to home surveillance systems — prosecutors contended that the centralisation of several dockets would bolster the State’s case. These included matters linked to the Pretoria West shooting of DJ Vettys and the killing of taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni.

– High Court dismisses Matlala’s bail bid –

In late October, the Johannesburg High Court dismissed Matlala’s appeal, dealing a significant blow to his legal bid for release.

Despite applying for R100,000 bail and offering house arrest, the court ruled that granting bail would not be in the interests of justice, citing concerns that Matlala could evade accountability. The ruling underscored the judiciary’s firm stance in high-profile cases involving serious and violent allegations.

– Case moves to High Court with new legal representation –

In a major development, the matter was set down for a High Court trial in January 2026, with Matlala appointing a new legal representative, Advocate Bronwynne Forbay, replacing Victor Nkwashu.

Following the consolidation of multiple dockets, Matlala now faces 11 counts of attempted murder, as well as charges of conspiracy, money laundering and fraud. The court confirmed that only Matlala’s wife and one co-accused remain out on bail.

Meanwhile, a separate high-profile matter involving alleged hitman Katiso “KT” Molefe was again postponed to allow for further docket centralisation.

The Matlala saga remains one of South Africa’s most closely followed legal stories. With a crucial High Court appearance scheduled for 29 January 2026, further courtroom drama is expected as prosecutors seek to strengthen their case and Matlala’s defence continues its fight for his release.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe