By Palesa Matlala
- Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala appealed his denied bail in the Johannesburg High Court after being accused of trying to kill Tebogo Thobejane.
- The State says Matlala is a flight risk with foreign assets, while his defence wants R100,000 bail and house arrest instead.
Controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala went to the Johannesburg High Court to appeal his denied bail.
Matlala, who did not appear in court on Monday, faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and money laundering. His wife and co-accused, Tsakane Matlala, sat in the gallery as both sides presented their arguments.
The charges relate to the 2023 shooting of Matlala’s ex-girlfriend, actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane, on the N1 highway near Sandton.
Last month, the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court refused Matlala bail, ruling that he failed to prove exceptional circumstances for his release. Magistrate Syta Prinsloo said Matlala remains a flight risk, claiming he has access to a private jet, assets in Mauritius and a fraudulent Eswatini ID.
The State told the High Court that Matlala has accused police of stealing his watch collection and planting evidence on his cellphone during a search of his home.
“He continues to portray himself as a victim,” the State said, adding that he never pursued his claims through civil court.
Prosecutors also said police acted lawfully in seizing his firearms and inspecting his security company, rejecting Matlala’s claims of harassment.
The defence asked the court to release Matlala on R100,000 bail under house arrest, arguing that he can be easily monitored. “There is no reason to keep the applicant in jail,” said his lawyer.
The court postponed the matter to Friday, 24 October 2025, for judgment.
Pictured above: Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala.
Image source: File
