‘Cat’ Matlala, co-accused back in dock as attempted murder trial enters second day

JOHANNESBURG – Alleged criminal kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his four co-accused returned to the Johannesburg High Court on Tuesday as their high-profile attempted murder trial entered its second day. Matlala Attempted Murder Trial

The proceedings resumed after all five accused pleaded not guilty on Monday to 25 charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, fraud, money laundering and defeating the ends of justice.

Trial resumes in Johannesburg High Court

Matlala appeared alongside his wife, Tsakane Matlala, Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela and Nthabiseng Nzama before Judge Cassim Moosa.

The trial is expected to focus on allegations that Matlala orchestrated three separate attempted assassinations between 2022 and 2024.

All five accused have denied every charge against them and remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

State alleges Matlala financed assassination plots

According to the State’s indictment, Matlala allegedly financed and coordinated failed attempts to kill actress Tebogo Thobejane, businessman Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, and music producer Seunkie Mokubung, popularly known as DJ Vettys.

Prosecutors allege the attacks formed part of carefully planned operations carried out over several months.

The State is expected to rely on financial records, witness testimony, cellphone evidence and other documentary material in support of its case.

Court allocates 30 trial days

Judge Moosa has ordered that the trial proceed without interruption until 7 August 2026.

The matter will then adjourn before resuming on 31 August, with proceedings scheduled to continue until 18 September 2026.

The lengthy schedule reflects the complexity of the case, which involves multiple accused, numerous witnesses and extensive documentary evidence.

Charges include attempted murder and money laundering

The accused face a combined 25 charges that include:

• Attempted murder.
• Conspiracy to commit murder.
• Fraud.
• Money laundering.
• Defeating the ends of justice.
• Firearms-related offences.

Matlala, Kekana and Mabusela remain in custody, while Tsakane Matlala and Nzama are out on bail pending the outcome of the trial.

Evidence phase expected to begin

With plea proceedings now complete, the prosecution is expected to begin presenting evidence and calling witnesses.

The defence teams will have an opportunity to challenge the State’s evidence through cross-examination before deciding whether to present evidence on behalf of their clients.

The trial is expected to attract significant public attention because of the seriousness of the allegations and Matlala’s prominence in several ongoing criminal investigations.

What happens next?

Over the coming weeks, the court is expected to hear testimony from investigators, witnesses connected to the alleged shootings and experts involved in analysing financial and electronic evidence.

The State carries the burden of proving each charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

Until the court delivers its verdict, Matlala and his four co-accused remain accused persons who have denied all allegations against them.