Matlala to remain behind bars as court delays bail hearing

Controversial businessman, Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, will spend more days behind bars after his attempted murder case was postponed to next week, for a formal bail application.

Matlala, his wife Tsakani, and three other co-accused – Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, and the daughter of one of the accused – face charges of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

The businessman is accused of orchestrating a failed assassination attempt on his ex-girlfriend, well-known media personality Tebogo Thobejane.

In a heavily packed and guarded courtroom, the proceedings centered on further consultations and the potential centralization of two related matters from Pretoria West and Lyttleton.

The State announced its intention to centralise seven cases from various jurisdictions to be heard in a single court.

While Matlala’s legal team did not oppose the move, they argued that their client is not directly implicated in the additional cases.

Two additional cases — one from Pretoria West involving money laundering and another from Lyttelton potentially linked to other shootings — are expected to be centralised in October.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says consolidating these matters would streamline proceedings and broaden the scope of the trial.

NPA spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, explained that the centralisation includes dockets from Sandton, Orlando, and Pretoria, among others.

While Matlala’s legal team did not oppose the centralisation, they maintained that their client is not directly implicated in the additional cases.

Matlala’s lawyer, Victor Nkwashu, has also proposed bail be set at R20,000.

The NPA has confirmed it will oppose Matlala’s application for bail.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe