Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala iappeared in Alexandra Magistrates’ Court for formal bail application. Image credit: Sowetan Live.
(The Post News)– Businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala is expected back in the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court in Johannesburg on Monday for the continuation of his bail application.
Matlala is charged with the attempted murder of his former girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane. He is also facing conspiracy to commit murder and money laundering.Four co-accused, including his wife, Tsakani—who is currently out on bail—are also charged in the matter.
In October 2023, Thobejane and her friend were ambushed on the N1 highway near Sandton when the car they were travelling in was sprayed with bullets. During the shooting, a female passenger in the vehicle sustained a severe spinal injury and has since been left paralyzed.
Matlala Says the State’s Case is Baseless
Last week, through his legal counsel, Advocate Laurence Hodes SC, he told the court that the cases against him are baseless and lacking in substance.
In a sworn affidavit, Matlala said that if he is ever put on trial for any of these crimes, he plans to enter a not guilty plea. He added that since there is no proof that a court acting properly could find him guilty, he is positive that he will be found not guilty at the conclusion of the state’s case. “I challenge the state to demonstrate by way of evidence that I was either directly or indirectly involved in the commission of these heinous crimes. I can state as a matter of fact that I was not involved.”
Meanwhile, the state is opposing bail, saying that he is a flight risk because of his fraudulent Eswatini identity card under the name Vusimuzi Dlamini.However, Department of Home Affairs records allegedly show that he had not officially re-entered the country, despite being arrested in South Africa in May 2025.
He has also been arrested at least 11 times on various charges, including attempted murder and the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
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