Detention dispute delays Matlala pre-trial proceedings

The uncertainty over where controversial businessman, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, should be detained has delayed pre-trial proceedings in his case at the Johannesburg High Court.

Matlala made his first appearance in the High Court on Thursday alongside his wife, Tsakani Matlala, and co-accused Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela and Nthabiseng Nzama, in connection with an alleged hit on his socialite ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane.

His newly appointed legal team argued that his detention in KwaZulu-Natal is hampering consultations and infringing on his right to a fair trial.

Matlala was transferred from Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria to the eBongweni Super-Maximum Correctional Facility in Kokstad in December last year.

His legal representative, Advocate Annelene van den Heever, told the court that the defence has struggled to consult with Matlala due to what she described as repeated obstruction by the Department of Correctional Services.

Van den Heever said the defence is required to work through three dockets, as well as additional evidence amounting to nearly a terabyte of data, making regular and accessible consultations essential to trial preparation.

The defence has formally requested that Matlala be temporarily detained at a correctional facility closer to Johannesburg or Pretoria, arguing that his continued incarceration in Kokstad would prejudice pre-trial processes.

Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority says it is satisfied with assurances from the Department of Correctional Services that Matlala will be able to attend court and consult with his legal representatives.

Speaking outside court, NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, said they would not interfere with the operational decisions of Correctional Services.

The NPA confirmed it has been assured that Matlala’s legal rights will be upheld while he remains in custody and said it would await any formal application brought before the court.

Matlala and his co-accused face 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder, linked to alleged hit attempts on three individuals.

The matter has been postponed to 6 February to allow for further engagement with Correctional Services on the possible transfer of Matlala to a facility within the court’s jurisdiction.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe