Vusi "Cat" Matlala’s Bail Hangs in the Balance Over Offshore Assets, Private Jet and Fraudulent ID

The bail application of controversial businessman Vusi "Cat" Matlala has taken a dramatic turn after prosecutors argued that his undisclosed offshore wealth, including a trust account in Mauritius, a private jet and a luxury boat, makes him a significant flight risk.

Matlala appeared at the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court in Johannesburg on Tuesday, where State prosecutor Elize Le Roux strongly opposed bail. She accused Matlala of failing to be transparent about his financial interests and international travel records.

READ: Alexandra Magistrate’s Court Denies Bail to Vusmuzi “Cat” Matlala in Attempted Murder Case

State: Matlala Not Honest About His Assets

Le Roux revealed that Matlala only acknowledged having an interest in a Mauritian trust account after it was first exposed by the State. She maintained that he continues to withhold vital information.

“In his affidavit, the applicant initially denied having financial interests outside South Africa. Yet, records show he traveled out of the country three times last year with no official record of his return. His one-night trips to Eswatini raise serious questions,” Le Roux told the court.

She also highlighted that Matlala was found in possession of a fraudulent Eswatini identity document under the name Vusi Dlamini.

Defence: He Needs Bail to Support His Children

Matlala’s lawyer, Laurance Hodes, dismissed the State’s claims as baseless. He argued that his client should be granted bail so he can financially support his nine children.

“The State has not produced concrete evidence linking him to the charges. Bail conditions such as house arrest could be imposed to address any concerns,” Hodes said.

READ: Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala linked to vehicle finance scam and murder-for-hire syndicate

Charges Against Matlala

Matlala is facing a string of serious charges, including the attempted murder of former Muvhango actress Tebogo Thobejane.

The prosecution further rejected Matlala’s claim that police stole luxury items, including a Rolex watch and Apple devices, during a raid at his home in December. According to Le Roux, the operation was urgent, as investigators had intelligence that a kidnapping victim was being held at the property.

Judgment Reserved

The court has reserved judgment on Matlala’s bail application until 17 September. For now, he remains behind bars as both sides wait for the ruling that could decide whether he walks free or stays in custody until trial.