Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala remains behind bars after the court reserved judgment in his bail application

JOHANNESBURG - Alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala will remain behind bars until next week, after the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court reserved judgment in his bail application.

The 49-year-old businessman is accused of ordering a hit on his ex-girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane, in December 2023.

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Matlala, his wife and three other accused face charges ranging from attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder to money laundering.

The defence told the court that the state had failed to produce direct evidence, such as fingerprints or ballistics, linking Matlala to the alleged hit.

However, prosecutors argued that circumstantial evidence, including phone records, messages and bank transfers, paints a compelling picture of his involvement.

The state also highlighted what it called red flags in his affidavit, including multiple trips to Eswatini, destroyed cell phones and a fake identity document.

With proceedings wrapping up late this afternoon, Magistrate Dyta Prinsloo postponed the matter for a formal ruling.

“Sir, the matter is then postponed for judgment until 17 September. I am diarying it for 11 o’clock in the morning. The applicant can then step down.”
Until then, Matlala will remain in custody.