Matlala trial halted for trial-within-a-trial over arrest evidence

The attempted murder trial of alleged underworld figure, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, has been temporarily halted after the defence challenged the legality of accused Musa Kekana’s arrest, prompting the Johannesburg High Court to convene a trial-within-a-trial.

The proceedings were interrupted on Friday after, Advocate Riaan Gissing, representing Kekana, objected to evidence presented by the State’s second witness, private security officer Jaco Shepard.

Gissing argued that Kekana’s constitutional rights were not properly explained to him at the time of his arrest in Bramley in April 2024.

The objection came shortly after Shepard, a member of CAB Security’s Special Operations Team, testified about surveillance operations that allegedly linked Kekana to two vehicles believed to have been used by suspected hitmen.

Shepard told he was contracted by police on 17 April 2024 and asked to monitor a white Hyundai i20 and a silver Mercedes-Benz allegedly linked to a murder in Vereeniging.

He testified that he established surveillance outside a property in Bramley after receiving information from members of the Gauteng Tactical Response Team. He said he saw the Hyundai arrive before its two occupants left the property in a white Mercedes-Benz V-Class.

Shepard said he followed the Mercedes-Benz without losing sight of it until it stopped at another property, where police officers arrived shortly afterwards.

He also identified photographs of the two vehicles, the Bramley property and the driver’s distinctive mustard-coloured shirt. The exhibits were admitted into evidence before the court adjourned for the trial-within-a-trial.

Earlier, the court again warned members of the media not to publish any images that could reveal Shepard’s identity. The judge also ordered that removal of a photograph published by a media outlet that could identify the protected witness.

Matlala, Kekana and their three co-accused have pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including attempted murder, fraud and money laundering, linked to three alleged attempted murder plots.

The trial-within-a-trial will determine whether evidence relating to Kekana’s arrest is admissible before the main trial can continue.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe