High court trial date set for Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala and co-accused

Alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala and his four co-accused, including his wife Tsakane Matlala, are set to face trial in the Johannesburg High Court starting in January.

The group appeared in the Alexandra Magistrates Court on Tuesday, where the court confirmed that Matlala's charges had been centralised, and the matter was now ready to proceed to the high court.

READ: Vusimuzi Matlala’s attempted murder case transferred to high court

The 49-year-old businessman is facing a litany of charges, which include 11 counts of attempted murder. Among the alleged targets are his socialite ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, who was the victim of a botched hit in October 2023, and another individual known as DJ Wetties [Seunkie Mokubung].

The charges also relate to an attempted hit on taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni in August 2022, in which Matlala and his co-accused are implicated.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, provided a detailed breakdown of the charges:

"The charges are 11 counts of attempted murder, three of conspiracy to commit murder, and three of possession of prohibited firearms. Then we also have counts of contravention of the Organised Crime Act, in which we believe they committed money laundering and fraud."

Matlala will remain in custody until the trial begins in the new year.

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