The pre-trial hearing of controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his four co-accused has been postponed to February 6 at the High Court in Johannesburg. Matlala is facing 11 counts of attempted murder, along with other charges related to failed assassination attempts on his former girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, businessman Joe Sibanyoni, and music producer Seunkie Mokubong, also known as DJ Vetteys.
Cat Matlala Charges and Accused
The charges against Matlala and his co-accused include attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, money laundering, and defeating the ends of justice. The accused are Matlala, his wife Tsakani Matlala, Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, and Nthabiseng Nzama. They appeared briefly in court on Thursday morning before their case was postponed.
Reason for Postponement
The postponement was granted to allow Matlala’s defence team to engage with the Correctional Services Department to arrange for him to be transferred back to a prison in Gauteng. Matlala was transferred to a maximum security prison in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal, which has hindered his defence team’s ability to consult with him.
Background
Matlala, a prominent businessman, has been linked to various controversies and allegations of corruption and organised crime. He has denied any wrongdoing and claims that the charges against him are part of a conspiracy to silence him.
Court Proceedings
The state has disclosed the docket to the defence, but Matlala’s new legal team has raised concerns about the contents of the docket, citing unclear sources of some documents. The defence is seeking additional disclosure and has requested that Matlala be transferred to a prison closer to the court.
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