TIMELINE: Controversial businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala in court

Controversial tender tycoon Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala made headlines when he appeared in court in connection with an alleged hit on his socialite ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane.

The alleged crime kingpin faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering. 

FROM ARREST TO BAIL APPLICATION - TIMELINE

15 May 2025 Businessman Vusimuzi Matlala appears in court over alleged hit on his ex-girlfriend Tebogo Thobejane. 

Controversial tender tycoon Vusimuzi Matlala appears in the Alexandra Magistrates Court in connection with an alleged hit on his socialite ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane. 

9 July 2025 Cellphone found with alleged kingpin Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala handed over to police 

The cellphone found in the possession of alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala has been handed over to police. 

9 July 2025 Mchunu insists he's never met alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala 

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu insists he has never met alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala. 

Attempted murder case against Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala postponed

11 July 2025 Two weeks for state to relinquish entire docket in attempted murder case against Vusimuzi Matlala 

The state given two weeks to relinquish the docket in its entirety in the attempted murder case of the tenderpreneur. 

15 July 2025 Tenderpreneur with alleged links to underworld key figure in Mkhwanazi's explosive allegations 

The tenderpreneur with alleged links to the underworld and political backing is a key figure in the explosive allegations set out by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.  

26 August 2025 Vusimuzi Matlala case: NPA seeks to consolidate matters in the alleged underworld figure 

The National Prosecuting Authority looking to consolidate several matters in the case against alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala. 

Alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi Matlala swaps luxury mansions for maximum security cell

15 September 2025 Socialite Serge Cabonge claims to be close friends with Shadrack Sibiya and Vusumuzi Matlala 

Popular socialite and businessman Serge Cabonge claims he is close friends with suspended top cop, General Shadrack Sibiya, and controversial figure, Vusumuzi 'Cat' Matlala. 

17 September 2025 Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala denied bail 

Attempted murder-accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has been denied bail by the Alexandra Magistrate's Court.