NPA refuses to intervene as Matlala fights transfer from maximum-security prison

The NPA says it cannot intervene in the incarceration matters of alleged crime boss Vusimuzi Cat Matlala, who is desperate to be moved from the country’s tightest security prison.

Matlala, his wife Tsakane, and three others made their first appearance in the Johannesburg High Court on Thursday for a pre-trial hearing.

They face attempted murder charges related to a hit on Matlala’s socialite ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, businessman Joe Sibanyoni, and musician Seunkie Mokubung, known as DJ Vetties.

In Thursday's proceedings, Matlala’s lawyers pleaded with the court to intervene and make an order for him to be moved from Ebongweni prison, where he was transferred to last month.

But the NPA’s Phindi Mjonondwane says they cannot interfere with the work of correctional services.

" Ours is to ensure that he's subjected to a fair trial – he attends court and correctional services made an undertaking in the statement that they released in December that detainees will be attending court without any hinderance and that legal processes will continue as they should, so we are satisfied with the word from correctionals services in their statement that Mr Matlala will be able to attend court proceedings"