Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala Remains in Custody as High Court Upholds Bail Denial

High Court Upholds Bail Denial for Alleged Cartel Figure

Johannesburg’s High Court has reaffirmed a previous ruling keeping Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala behind bars, denying him bail amid a string of serious criminal charges. Matlala, an alleged member of a criminal cartel, is accused of orchestrating violent and financial crimes that have left the city on edge.

A web of alleged crimes

Matlala faces attempted murder charges linked to his ex-girlfriend, actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane, who is well-known for her role in the popular soap opera Muvhango. The incident, which occurred on the N1 highway near Sandton in 2023, allegedly saw Thobejane shot in the foot.

In addition to the attempted murder case, Matlala is charged with:

• Conspiracy to commit murder

• Fraud

• Money laundering

• Defeating the ends of justice

His alleged co-conspirators include his wife Tsakani Matlala, and two men reportedly linked to hit operations, Musa Kekana and Tiego Floyd Mabusela. Mabusela’s daughter, Nthabiseng Nzama, is also facing charges.

Bail saga continues

Matlala was initially denied bail in September at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, where judges cited him as a flight risk. He briefly appeared again on 7 October 2025 with his co-accused.

Of the group, Kekana and Mabusela have withdrawn their bail applications, while Tsakani Matlala and Nzama remain out on R20 000 and R10 000 bail, respectively.

The High Court decision ensures Matlala remains in custody as investigations and court proceedings continue.

Public and social reaction

News of the bail denial has sparked conversations online, with social media users expressing relief that a figure allegedly linked to cartel activities will remain behind bars while facing serious criminal charges. Many also noted the broader concerns around organized crime and the safety of public figures, especially in cases involving high-profile personalities like Tebogo Thobejane.

With Matlala in custody, the legal process moves forward amid heightened public scrutiny. The courts will now focus on the complex investigations into alleged cartel operations, the attempted murder case, and the related financial crimes.

As the matter unfolds, Johannesburg residents and the entertainment industry are watching closely, hoping for transparency and justice in a case that has captured national attention.

{Source: The Citizen}

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