High Court advises Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala to launch urgent bid for prison transfer

The Johannesburg High Court has advised alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to bring an urgent court application in his bid to be moved out of the country’s only super-maximum correctional facility.

Matlala, his wife Tsakane and three others made their first appearance in the Johannesburg High Court on Thursday on charges ranging from attempted murder to fraud and money laundering.

They are accused of carrying out botched hits on three people between August 2022 and January 2024.

Ebongweni Prison is known for its stringent rules and harsh conditions, with prisoners held in single cells for 23 hours a day and only allowed one hour for consultation.

Matlala’s lawyer, Advocate Anneline van den Heever, gave a detailed explanation of the conditions she has faced while trying to consult with him and prepare his case.

The matter has been postponed to next week, when the issue of his possible transfer will be discussed.