Johannesburg, South Africa – Prominent television actress Tebogo Thobejane has issued a public apology to Tsakane Baloyi, the wife of Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, for allegedly referring to her as a "bi***" and a "killer." Thobejane’s apology comes amidst a complex and emotionally charged legal battle, where Baloyi, Matlala, and their co-accused face charges of attempted murder, and Thobejane herself is now facing accusations of cyberbullying and defamation.
In a statement provided to Daily Sun, Tebogo Thobejane expressed profound remorse and took full responsibility for the inflammatory language she used. "I'm not proud of the language I used, and I do apologise for that. That's not who I am. I've always stood for women supporting each other and against bullying, especially online," she stated, acknowledging that her words were out of character and regrettable. This public apology aims to address the fallout from her social media posts, which have become a central point of contention in the ongoing legal proceedings.
The genesis of this controversy lies in a harrowing incident that occurred on 17 October 2023. On that evening, Tebogo Thobejane and a friend were tragically shot on Bryanston Road while making their way home after enjoying an evening at a Sandton restaurant. The severity of the attack led to a swift investigation, culminating in the arrest and charging of Tsakane Baloyi, Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, and their co-accused with attempted murder. Authorities allege that the couple meticulously planned the assault, purportedly hiring Musa Kekana and Tiego Floyd Mabusela as hitmen with the explicit intention of eliminating the well-known social media influencer.
Following several appearances in court related to the attempted murder charges, Thobejane reportedly took to various social media platforms. It was during this period that she publicly labelled Tsakane Baloyi a "bi***" and a "killer." Thobejane has since explained that her highly emotional and public outbursts were a direct consequence of the deep-seated pain, trauma, and emotional distress she has been grappling with since the near-fatal shooting.
"Honestly, everything I said came from a place of pain. What I've been through is not normal, and having to relive it publicly through the media makes it even harder," she conveyed, offering insight into the immense personal struggle she endures daily. She further elaborated that her intense reaction was particularly triggered by video clips that circulated, allegedly showing Cat Matlala, Tsakane Baloyi, and their co-accused engaging in seemingly casual conversation and displaying a perceived lack of remorse during their court appearances for the alleged attempt on her life. This perceived indifference, she stated, was a significant emotional trigger.
"Seeing people connected to what happened to me, and feeling like there's no remorse, really triggered me. I reacted emotionally, and I'll be the first to admit that the way I expressed myself was not right," Thobejane candidly admitted. She further added, "But I'm also human. I'm dealing with real trauma, and this situation has made me realise how important healing and therapy are. You can't always be composed when you're hurting like this, but I know I need to handle it better." Her words underscore the psychological impact of such a traumatic event and the challenges of maintaining composure under public scrutiny.
Thobejane affirmed her unwavering commitment to learning from her mistakes and expressed profound respect for the judicial process. She stated her firm intention to allow justice to take its rightful course without further public interference from her side. "What I'm going through, I wouldn't wish on anyone. At the same time, I take accountability for my words, and I'm learning from this. I respect the legal process, and I'll allow it to take its course," she reiterated, signalling a desire to move forward constructively.
The apology from Thobejane has emerged in the wake of a formal criminal complaint lodged against her by Tsakane Baloyi’s legal representative, Hlawu Maluleke. Maluleke publicly announced in the Joburg High Court this week that a comprehensive complaint had been officially filed at the Randburg Police Station on Tuesday, 3 March 2026. In this complaint, Tsakane Baloyi has formally accused Tebogo Thobejane of serious offences, including cyberbullying, defamation, intimidation, and online harassment, painting a picture of a relentless campaign against her.
According to Maluleke, Tsakane Baloyi alleges that Thobejane has consistently and repeatedly followed and monitored her movements during various court appearances, creating an atmosphere of unease and harassment. He further detailed that in numerous social media posts, Thobejane explicitly referred to Tsakane as a "killer" and controversially described Cat Matlala as an "nkabi," a term colloquially used to denote a hitman. Maluleke also highlighted a particularly damaging allegation from Tsakane, claiming that Thobejane, who had a romantic involvement with Cat Matlala, had suggested his client was, in fact, pleased when her husband allegedly orchestrated the hit on Thobejane’s life.
Maluleke confirmed a significant development in the legal proceedings: Tsakane Baloyi, who stands accused of conspiring with Cat Matlala to kill Tebogo Thobejane, will no longer be pursuing representations to have the charges against her, including attempted murder, dropped. This decision suggests a shift in legal strategy, possibly influenced by the new criminal complaint against Thobejane. Maluleke emphatically asserted that Tebogo Thobejane's public statements and social media activity constitute a direct and undeniable violation of Tsakane Baloyi's fundamental legal rights, further complicating an already intricate case.
This ongoing legal and public dispute vividly illustrates the profound emotional toll and intricate complexities that arise when deeply personal grievances intersect with formal criminal proceedings and the pervasive influence of public platforms. The apology from Tebogo Thobejane, while significant, adds another layer to a case that continues to captivate public attention and raises important questions about accountability, trauma, and the boundaries of public discourse in the digital age.
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