Disclosure disputes and withdrawal bid delay Matlala case

What was expected to mark a decisive step toward trial in the high-profile attempted murder case against alleged underworld figure, Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, instead resulted in another procedural setback at the Johannesburg High Court on Thursday.

Pre-trial proceedings were briefly stood down after one of Matlala’s co-accused changed legal representation at the eleventh hour – the latest development in a case already marred by delays.

Matlala, his wife Tsakane, and three others face 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder, linked to three separate shooting incidents allegedly carried out between August 2022 and January 2024. Among the allegations is an attempted hit on his socialite ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane.

The court acknowledged the change in counsel and indicated that proceedings would continue for the remaining accused, while allowing time for outstanding issues relating to accused three and four to be resolved.

In a related development, one of the co-accused, Nthabiseng Nzama, formally applied to have the charge against her withdrawn.

Nzama, who faces a charge of money laundering, is being tried alongside her father, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, alleged to be one of Matlala’s hitmen. The State claims her bank account was used to channel more than R120,000, allegedly intended to finance a hit on Thobejane.

Pre-trial proceedings were postponed once again to allow the State time to consider representations submitted by Nzama’s new legal counsel.

Her attorney, Ntombi Dina, argues that the State’s case lacks reasonable prospects of success.

Matlala’s legal team also criticised the prosecution, accusing the State of failing to disclose key documents necessary for the defence.

Advocate, Annelie van den Heever, described the disclosure as incomplete and delayed, arguing that the outstanding documents are essential for trial preparation and could materially affect Matlala’s pending bail application.

Presiding Judge, William Karam, expressed frustration at the repeated delays, noting that the matter has already been postponed several times.

Proceedings were ultimately halted after the defence maintained it could not proceed without full disclosure of evidence.

The matter has now been postponed to 18 March.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe