Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala’s case postponed as prosecutors seek to centralise charges

Zuko Komisa

The case against alleged underworld crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala was postponed in Johannesburg.
The delay is to allow prosecutors to centralise other matters into the current trial, which includes charges of attempted murder and money laundering.
Matlala will return to the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on 11 November as the State prepares its full case.

The court case against controversial businessman and alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has been adjourned following a brief appearance at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg today.

Mr Matlala, who is facing a string of serious charges, including the attempted murder of his former partner, actress Tebogo Thobejane, will have his case heard again on 11 November.

The State requested the postponement to allow time for the National Director of Public Prosecutions to approve the centralisation of other pending criminal matters into the current case.

The central allegations against Mr Matlala revolve around an alleged orchestrated “hit” on Ms Thobejane in October 2023. During a shooting incident on the N1 motorway near Sandton, Ms Thobejane was wounded, and a female passenger in her vehicle was left with a serious spinal injury.

Mr Matlala, along with his co-accused (including his wife, Tsakani Matlala, and others), is formally charged with:

Attempted Murder
Conspiracy to Commit Murder
Money Laundering

The businessman has consistently and vehemently denied all charges, referring to them as “baseless” and lacking substance.