Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala made another appearance in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday as he sought bail on charges of attempted murder. This case stems from a botched hit on his former lover, socialite and actress Tebogo Thobejane, which occurred in Sandton in 2023.
Matlala's legal troubles have been compounded by his connections to multiple high-profile cases. He has been implicated in previous assassination attempts targeting figures such as taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni and Seunkie Mokubung, also known as DJ Vettys. In June last year, he controversially secured a R360-million police health tender, despite being under investigation for the Tembisa Hospital graft scandal.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, the investigating officer revealed a shocking detail: Brown Mogotsi, a North West businessman, attempted to contact Matlala using a secret prison phone on the same day that KwaZulu-Natal top cop Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi held an explosive press conference. This press conference included serious allegations that the nation's justice system had been compromised by criminals and shady businessmen, implicating both Mogotsi and Matlala.
The court learned that Matlala had previously abandoned his bail bid but has since reconsidered his decision. As the session unfolded, the State read an affidavit from the investigating officer opposing his bail application.
In a startling revelation, it was disclosed that Matlala had been caught with a cellphone in his cell at Kgosi Mampuru prison in July. The investigating officer explained that the device was seized after authorities found it still switched on, with a paused video of General Mkhwanazi’s press briefing. Screenshots showed that Matlala had been active on the phone on 6 July—the very day of the press briefing.
The investigating officer further highlighted that "three significant contact numbers" were found on Matlala's phone, including that of Mogotsi. “What is important to note is that Brown Mogotsi attempted to make contact on several occasions with [Matlala] on 6 July. The question that arises and that begs for an answer is: How did Brown Mogotsi know that he could contact [Matlala] on this number while he was incarcerated awaiting trial?” she questioned.
The attempted murder charge against Matlala relates to an incident where gunmen opened fire on the vehicle Thobejane was travelling in, which also had a driver and a companion. Thankfully, all three survived, but tragically, Thobejane’s companion was left paralysed from the attack. Matlala faces these serious charges alongside his wife, Tsakani Matlala, and others, including Nthabiseng Nzama, Tlego Floyd Mabusela, and Musa Kekana.
During today’s court session, the case was postponed to allow the State time to respond to new allegations leveled by Matlala against the investigating team in his bail application. The judge has set the next hearing for 8 September, when the bail application will continue.
As Matlala's legal saga continues, the implications of his alleged actions and the broader questions surrounding justice and accountability remain at the forefront of public interest. The courtroom drama surrounding Matlala not only highlights the serious charges he faces but also raises concerns about the integrity of the legal system and the connections between powerful individuals and criminal activities.
With the case expected to draw significant attention in the coming weeks, many are eager to see how the proceedings will unfold and what further revelations may come to light.
Keep Up With the Latest Updates
The case continues to unfold in Alexandra Magistrate’s Court. For readers following the trial:
-
Explore related articles: [Read about the Thobejane shooting and other Gauteng killings]
-
Stay informed: Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on criminal cases in South Africa.
-
Join the conversation: Share your thoughts on the case in the comments below.
Follow Us on Twitter
