- Matlala remains behind bars after being denied bail for the attempted murder of socialite Tebogo Thobejane, with his trial set for January 2026.
- Molefe, accused of ordering the hit on DJ Sumbody, appeared for his own case, which was postponed after a co-accused failed to appear.
The Alexandra Magistrate Court was packed on Tuesday as alleged crime bosses Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and Katiso “KT” Molefe made separate appearances under heavy security.
Matlala, 49, arrived in two police nyalas and appeared in the dock alongside his wife Tsakane and three co-accused. The businessman will remain in custody over Christmas after being denied bail by both the Alexandra Magistrate Court and the Johannesburg High Court.
His trial is set to start on 29 January 2026.
Matlala is accused of ordering a hit on his ex-girlfriend, socialite Tebogo Thobejane, in Sandton in October 2023. He and his co-accused face 11 counts of attempted murder, three of conspiracy to commit murder, three of unlawful possession of firearms, and several charges under the Organised Crime Act, including money laundering and fraud.
Prosecutors told the court the case is ready to be transferred to the Johannesburg High Court. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed that approval has been granted to centralise the Pretoria dockets with the main case.
Immediately after, Molefe, 61, and his two co-accused entered the dock, but the case was postponed to 3 December after one accused, Michael Tau, failed to appear. The NPA said it is seeking answers from Correctional Services about his absence.
Molefe is accused of masterminding the murders of musician Oupa “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka and his two bodyguards in Woodmead in November 2022. He faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder and possession of unlicensed firearms.
Matlala, linked to a drug cartel operating in police networks, is also due to testify before Parliament’s ad hoc committee later this month from Kgosi Mampuru Prison.
Pictured above: Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala appears in court.
Image source: Palesa Matlala
