Johannesburg, South Africa – Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, a central figure at the Madlanga Commission, is seeking to have his attempted murder trial separated from that of his current co-accused and heard urgently.
Matlala and his four co-accused – including his wife, Tsakane Matlala; alleged hitmen Tiego Floyd Mabusela and Musa Kekana; and Kekana’s daughter, Nthabiseng Nzama – appeared in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
The group faces a range of serious charges, including attempted murder, money laundering, and defeating the administration of justice.
These charges stem from three separate attempts on the lives of Matlala’s ex-partner, Tebogo Thobejane; taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni; and Seunkie “DJ Vettys” Mokubung.
Matlala’s counsel, advocate Annelene van den Heever, announced in court on Wednesday that they intend to approach the head of the court to request an urgent trial date. Following this, they plan to bring an application for a separation of trial, indicating a desire for Matlala to be tried separately from his co-accused.
The reasons behind this request for separation were not immediately disclosed, but it suggests a potential shift in legal strategy for Matlala's defense.
Further details on this developing story will be provided as they become available. The case continues to draw significant attention due to Matlala's high-profile role at the Madlanga Commission and the serious nature of the charges against him and his co-accused.
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