Controversial businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala has been denied bail by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, with the magistrate ruling that he poses a danger to the public and a flight risk.
Why the court denied Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala bail
Magistrate Syta Prinsloo said Matlala had failed to prove he would not interfere with witnesses or evade trial.
Evidence showed that he had suspicious travel records involving Eswatini and possible foreign interests in Mauritius.
The court also noted that Matlala was found with a cellphone while in custody, raising fears that he could continue communicating illegally with associates.
Matlala was arrested in April alongside two alleged hitmen.
He faces charges of attempted murder, money laundering, and defeating the ends of justice. The case stems from the October 2023 shooting of his former partner, Tebogo Thobejane, who survived the attack but has since fled the country in fear.
The State also presented evidence of suspicious financial transfers on the day of the attempted hit, including R100,000 paid into the account of a co-accused’s daughter.
While Matlala insists these were legitimate expenses, the prosecution says the timing suggests payments for the shooting.
The magistrate concluded:
“The applicant has failed to demonstrate he does not pose a flight risk. The nature of the offences represents a clear danger to the community, and the State’s case cannot be described as weak.”
More details surface about AK-47 linked to high-profile murders
Police have now revealed more disturbing details about the firearms linked to Matlala’s case. National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that an AK-47 assault rifle and two pistols seized from the alleged hitmen have been positively connected to 18 separate murder and attempted murder cases.
These include some of South Africa’s most high-profile killings, such as:
- The murder of musician DJ Sumbody and his two bodyguards.
- The killing of Vereeniging engineer Amand Swart.
- The deaths of Don Tindleni and DJ Vinto.
- The attempted murder of taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni and others.
Mathe said:
“We’ve got three firearms in police custody. One AK-47 and two pistols. We were linking those firearms to 10 cases but now the number has risen to 18 cases of murder and attempted murder.”
This revelation strengthens suspicions that Matlala is connected to a gun-for-hire syndicate involving other businessmen such as Katiso ‘KT’ Molefe, who has also been implicated in police corruption scandals.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the court’s decision, saying it is ready to oppose any appeal by Matlala’s legal team. The case will return to court on 7 October 2025, when multiple cases against him are expected to be centralised.
For now, Matlala remains behind bars as investigators continue to piece together a case that spans business, politics, and organised crime.