Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala Set for Bail Hearing Amid Serious Charges

High-Profile Court Appearance

Business magnate Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, 49, is expected in the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court this Tuesday for a formal bail application. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has indicated that it will oppose his release.

Matlala faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering. The case centers around a 2023 shooting involving his ex-girlfriend, actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane, known for her role in Muvhango. During the incident on the N1 near Sandton, Thobejane was shot in the foot, while a female passenger suffered a severe spinal injury.

Previous Court Proceedings

Matlala made a brief appearance last week alongside four co-accused, including his wife, Tsakani Matlala, under heavy police guard and in shackles. Magistrate Dyta Prinsloo postponed his bail application, scheduling it for September 2. Matlala will remain in custody until the court hears the application.

The four co-accused are expected back in court on October 7 when the state centralizes seven related dockets from Orlando, Pretoria West, Sandton, and Vereeniging. This consolidation aims to streamline prosecution and eventually transfer the case to the Johannesburg High Court.

Bail for Co-Accused

Some of Matlala’s co-accused have already been granted bail. Tsakani Matlala and Nthabiseng Nzama, 23, daughter of another accused, were released under strict conditions, including surrendering passports, staying within Gauteng, and avoiding contact with witnesses and relatives of the other accused. Tsakani was added to the charge sheet in May and released on R20,000 bail due to health concerns and her role as a mother.

Money Laundering Allegations

Apart from the violent charges, Matlala is accused of laundering millions of rand, linked to a R360 million South African Police Service (SAPS) health services tender. The tender, awarded to a company allegedly associated with him, was cancelled in May by Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, who said the company should never have passed the initial bidding stage.

NPA Response

Outside court, NPA spokesperson Pindi Mjonondwana confirmed the state’s opposition to Matlala’s bail bid but did not elaborate on the specific grounds. She detailed the centralization plan, stating that the seven docketstwo from Orlando, two from Pretoria, two from Sandton, and one from Vereeniging, contain common elements and will be handled together to streamline prosecution.

Public Interest and Social Reaction

The case has captured national attention, with discussions on social media highlighting public outrage over alleged corruption, fraud, and violent acts allegedly orchestrated by a high-profile businessman. Many have expressed concern over the alleged misuse of government contracts and the intersection of wealth, influence, and criminality.

As South Africans follow the proceedings, Tuesday’s bail hearing will be a pivotal moment in a case that intertwines high-profile personalities, alleged criminal networks, and questions of justice in Gauteng.

{Source: IOL}

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