Matlala attempted murder trial paused as court weighs disputed arrest evidence

The attempted murder trial of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and four co-accused has been placed on hold while the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg decides whether disputed evidence obtained during an arrest can be admitted.

Trial-within-a-trial underway

Proceedings resumed in the Johannesburg court after the August recess, but the main case remains suspended as the court hears a trial-within-a-trial linked to evidence obtained during the arrest of accused Musa Kekana. Kekana’s lawyer is challenging the admissibility of that material.

Who is on trial and what they face

The five accused are Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, Tsakani Matlala, Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela and Zandile Nthabiseng Nzama. They face 25 charges connected to three alleged attempted murder incidents between August 2022 and January 2024.

The charges include conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition, money laundering and fraud. The accused also face an alternative charge of defeating or attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

Medical testimony and what is at stake

According to a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority, the State is leading evidence in the trial-within-a-trial. Medical doctor Dr Panicker testified about allegations by Kekana that he was assaulted and tortured following his arrest, and about the nature and timing of the medical treatment he received.

The court must decide whether the disputed material obtained during Kekana’s arrest can form part of the State’s case. A ruling admitting the evidence would allow prosecutors to rely on it when the main trial resumes; if the court excludes it, the State will continue without that material.

Next steps

The main trial will remain suspended until the court rules on the admissibility challenge. The case has drawn attention because of the seriousness of the charges and is expected to continue once the admissibility issue is resolved.