By Palesa Matlala
- Matlala is accused of plotting to kill his ex-girlfriend Tebogo Thobejane, with charges including attempted murder, conspiracy and money laundering.
- The State says Matlala is a danger to society, pointing to past convictions, prison misconduct and his access to a private jet as proof that he is a risk.
Alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala returned to the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for a formal bail hearing.
The 48-year-old arrived dressed in a navy suit with gold dots and a light blue shirt. He appeared alone, while his co-accused are expected to join him in the dock next month.
In an affidavit read out by his lawyer, Matlala denied involvement in the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane.
“Thobejane had reached out to me for help and protection after the shooting,” the affidavit said. Matlala claimed he was shocked to be singled out while others Thobejane mentioned publicly have not been charged.
Matlala was arrested on 14 May in Midrand after what police described as a “high-level investigation”. He, his wife Tsakani and two alleged hitmen face charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and money laundering.
The State alleges millions laundered by Matlala include funds linked to a R360-million South African Police Service (SAPS) health tender that was later cancelled by Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola. The commissioner admitted the company tied to Matlala “should never have passed the initial bidding stage”.
Matlala’s name has also come up in corruption claims exposed by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
During an earlier appearance, prosecutors said they would oppose bail because “keeping the accused behind bars will save lives. He is a danger to the community.”
The investigating officer told the court Matlala was convicted of housebreaking in 2001 and arrested 11 times for firearms and attempted murder.
He was also caught with a cellphone at Kgosi Mampuru prison in July. Guards found it switched on with a video paused on General Mkhwanazi’s press briefing.
Officials added that Matlala owns a private jet, making him a serious flight risk.
The case was postponed to 8 September for the State to respond to fresh allegations Matlala has levelled against the investigating team.
Pictured above: Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Image source: File
