In a significant development in the bail hearing of controversial businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, police have revealed that an AK-47 and two pistols seized in relation to the case have been positively linked to 18 murder and attempted murder cases across the country.
The revelation was made on Wednesday by SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe outside the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, shortly after the court denied bail to Matlala.
The 49-year-old Matlala is accused of orchestrating a hit on his ex-girlfriend, actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane, in 2023. He faces charges of attempted murder, money laundering, and other serious offences alongside his wife, Tsakane, and three co-accused.
The Bail Denial and Flight Risk
The State opposed bail for Matlala, arguing that he poses a significant flight risk. Prosecutors cited his alleged ownership of a private jet and foreign assets in Mauritius. It was also revealed that Matlala was in possession of a fraudulent Eswatini identity document, which allegedly bears a different surname and was sent to him by his wife. According to cellphone records, Matlala had travelled to Eswatini at least three times.
Speaking to the media, Brigadier Mathe confirmed the crucial link between the seized firearms and a string of high-profile crimes. “In terms of the firearms, you will recall that we’ve got three firearms in police custody: one AK-47 and two pistols,” said Mathe.
AK-47 Linked to High-Profile Killings
Mathe confirmed that the AK-47 has been linked to several prominent cases, including:
- The attempted murder of taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni, who was shot outside Centurion Golf Estate on 10 August 2022.
- The murders of DJ Sumbody and his two bodyguards in Woodmead in November 2022.
- The murder of Don Tindleni on the N1 near the N17 off-ramp in March 2023.
- The murder of Armand Swart in April 2024, which police believe was a case of mistaken identity.
One of the pistols seized by police has also been linked to the attempted murder of DJ Vetties. The trial continues.
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