The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that the case against alleged crime boss Vusi “Cat” Matlala and his wife Tsakani Matlala will proceed to trial in January 2026 after months of procedural delays.
The couple made a brief appearance at the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, where prosecutors informed the court that all pre-trial matters had been finalised and the case had officially been transferred to the High Court.
Matlala, who has been behind bars for six months at Kgosi Mampuru II Prison in Pretoria, is facing charges including conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and money laundering.
His wife, who was arrested alongside him, remains out on bail.
The court proceedings drew public attention when Matlala shared a brief, emotional moment with his wife before being escorted back into custody.
The two are accused of operating as part of what investigators have described as the “Big 5 cartel,” an organised network allegedly linked to political and law enforcement corruption.
Matlala’s name has also featured prominently in ongoing parliamentary and judicial inquiries. As previously reported, he is set to testify before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating criminal infiltration and corruption within South Africa’s justice system next week.
The State alleges that Matlala and his associates were central figures in a web of illicit contracts worth billions of rand, including tenders connected to the R2 billion Tembisa Hospital scandal.
The Special Investigating Unit has also linked Matlala’s companies to fraudulent police health service contracts and fronting schemes involving senior law enforcement officials.
The upcoming trial is expected to consolidate several related charges under a single indictment. The NPA told the court that witness statements and forensic evidence had been completed and that the case was ready to proceed once the High Court sets a final trial date.
Matlala continues to deny all allegations, claiming through his legal counsel that he is being targeted because of his political and business ties.
The High Court trial is scheduled to begin in January 2026 in Johannesburg under heightened security.
