News
Pretoria Businessman Cat Matlala Denied Bail in Attempted Murder Case
Pretoria businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala will remain in custody after the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court rejected his bail application. Matlala, arrested in April this year, is facing multiple charges that include attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the ruling, with spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane saying the State believed it had a strong case against him.
Why Bail Was Refused
Magistrate Syta Prinsloo found that Matlala had not proven he was not a flight risk or that he would refrain from interfering with witnesses. She described the alleged crimes as too serious to allow his release and warned of the danger he posed to the community.
The court stressed that the State’s case could not be considered weak. As a result, Matlala will stay in custody until his next scheduled appearance on 7 October.
Past Dealings Under Scrutiny
Matlala’s name is not new to controversy. In 2021, whistleblower Babita Deokaran flagged his companies for possible fraudulent activity linked to Tembisa Hospital contracts.
Last year, one of his businesses, Medicare24 Tshwane District, won a R360 million contract to provide health services to SAPS employees. Records show the deal generated over R48 million in profits before being cancelled by National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.
Wealth and Flight Risk Concerns
The State argued Matlala had both the means and motive to evade justice. He was previously linked to a fake Swati identity document used for cross-border travel. Prosecutors also pointed to his alleged ownership of a private jet, a boat, and a trust account in Mauritius.
These factors weighed heavily in the magistrate’s conclusion that releasing him would not serve the interests of justice.
Public Reaction
The case has sparked wide discussion, particularly given South Africa’s ongoing battle with corruption in state contracts. Social media users expressed relief that bail was denied, with some describing the decision as a necessary show of accountability. Others remain cautious, noting that high-profile figures often manage to escape conviction despite initial wins for the justice system.
For now, all eyes will remain on Matlala’s next court appearance in October, where the State will continue pressing its case.
Also read: Western Cape Agriculture Grows 14% Despite Trump’s Tariffs
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: IOL
Featured Image: News24
