Matlala trial begins with not guilty pleas as State prepares to call first witness

The trial of alleged underworld kingpin, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, and his four co-accused officially got underway in the Johannesburg High Court on Monday, with all five pleading not guilty to 25 charges as the State prepares to call businessman, Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, as its first witness.

The accused face charges including attempted murder, fraud and money laundering linked to three alleged hit plots between August 2022 and January 2024.

The State alleges they conspired to orchestrate and finance attacks targeting Sibanyoni, media personality Tebogo Thobejane and music producer Seun Mokubung, popularly known as DJ Vettys.

Proceedings began after Judge Cassim Moosa dismissed objections to a temporary adjournment, ruling that a nearly three-week adjournment next month would not prejudice the accused despite an earlier directive that the trial proceed continuously.

Following the ruling, all five accused pleaded not guilty to every charge on the indictment.

During the plea proceedings, Judge Moosa reminded them that the offences they face carry severe penalties if they are convicted.

The State is expected to begin leading evidence on Tuesday when Sibanyoni takes the stand as its first witness.

In her opening address, prosecutor Elize Le Roux, said Sibanyoni will testify about how he was ambushed and seriously wounded outside the Centurion Country Club on 10 August 2022 after leaving a dinner with associates in Sandton.

According to the State, gunmen travelling in a white BMW opened fire on Sibanyoni before fleeing the scene.

Prosecutors say they will rely on eyewitness testimony, CCTV footage, cellphone analysis, toll-gate records, forensic evidence and ballistic reports to link the accused to the shooting.

The State further alleges the BMW used in the attack was concealed, repaired and later sold after sustaining bullet damage. Prosecutors also intend leading evidence about Sibanyoni’s alleged acrimonious relationship with the late taxi boss, Jothan “Mswazi” Msibi, as well as claims that Matlala’s security company provided protection services to him.

Meanwhile, media personality and actress, Tebogo Thobejane, one of the alleged victims in the case, welcomed the start of the trial.

Speaking outside court, Thobejane, who was wounded in the leg during a 2023 shooting that forms part of the indictment, said she was relieved that the case was finally being heard and welcomed the progress made during the first day of proceedings.

The trial resumes on Tuesday with Sibanyoni expected to become the State’s first witness as the prosecution begins presenting its case against Matlala and his four co-accused.

JUST IN: Alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his 4 co-accused have pleaded NOT guilty to all 25 charges as their trial begins in the JHB High Court.

They face charges including attempted murder, fraud and money laundering linked to three alleged hit plots. #YNews pic.twitter.com/TaXjt9u9ve

— Ndashe (@ndasheii) July 20, 2026

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe