Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala iappeared in Alexandra Magistrates’ Court for formal bail application. Image credit: Sowetan Live.
(The Post News) – Bail seeking crime accused Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday all dappa – dressed in a black suit and expensive Dolce & Gabbana shoes, was denied bail.
Matlala, 49, is accused of allegedly ordering a hit on his ex-girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane, in December 2023. He faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering linked to the alleged assassination attempt on Thobejane.
Magistrate Syta Prinsloo said the applicant failed to demonstrate that he does not pose a flight risk, the nature of offences represents a clear danger to the community. The state’s case cannot be described as weak. The state painted him as a dangerous criminal with the means to evade justice. Cellphone records reveal he traveled to eSwatini on at least two occasions and used a fake identity of Vusimuzi Dlamini.
Magistrate Prinsloo said it was concerning that there was no record of Matlala’s return from eSwatini. According to the magistrate, the court was not convinced that he was not a flight risk. The eSwatini identity document, the secret phone in prison shows he has means to evade trial.
Magistrate Prinsloo said the state says Matlala did not present any exceptional circumstances, and the State believes that he was the mastermind who organised the hits. Contents of downloads from his devices show links to law enforcement officials and politicians.
Matlala denies he ever confessed. He says police manipulated and fabricated evidence. According to him, he doesn’t pose a flight risk. He says his continued incarceration serves no purpose. His lawyers insist that the case against him is weak and based on circumstantial evidence.
He remains behind bars and will be back in court on 7 October 2025.
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