Matlala case returns to court for pretrial hearing

The case of alleged crime boss Vusimuzi Cat Matlala will return to the Johannesburg High Court on Thursday morning for a pretrial hearing.

His lawyers had previously told the court that Matlala was eager for the trial to go ahead so that he can prove his innocence.

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Matlala, his wife, Tsakane, and three others face 25 charges of attempted murder that are set to have taken place between August 2022 and January 2024.

One of the attempted murder charges relate to a hit on Matlala’s socialite ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane.

Details around the readiness for both the State and defence to go ahead are expected to be thrashed out at this pretrial hearing in order to prevent delays to the start of the trial.

Previously, Matlala’s lawyer, Advocate Anneline van den Heever, reiterated that her client wants the matter to proceed so he can clear his name.

His incarceration at South Africa’s only super max prison, eBongweni, in Kokstad, and the difficulties his legal team faced with properly consulting with him were also points of contention.

The judge directed the Department of Correctional Services to remove restrictions that could interfere with trial preparations.

It remains unclear if Matlala will bring another bail application.