Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala’s Case Postponed as NPA Moves to Add New Charges

Johannesburg — The case of businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and four co-accused has been postponed to 11 November 2025, as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) moves to consolidate and add additional charges against the group.

Matlala and his co-accused briefly appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where prosecutors confirmed that the process of centralizing multiple cases involving the businessman was underway.

According to the state, two other matters — one from Mamelodi and another from Pretoria — are being reviewed for inclusion in the current case, citing Matlala’s alleged involvement in both.

The accused face charges of attempted murder and money laundering, following allegations that they orchestrated the failed assassination of Matlala’s former partner, socialite Tebogo Thobejane, in October 2023.

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Bail Appeal and NPA’s Opposition

The NPA has confirmed that Matlala has filed a motion to appeal the magistrate’s court decision denying him bail last month.

“We can confirm as the NPA that we received their motion. He intends to appeal the decision of the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court that denied him bail. We are in the process of preparing ourselves to oppose his application,”
said an NPA spokesperson.

The authority maintains that the lower court acted correctly, stating that there was no misdirection in law or fact in denying bail.

Matlala’s legal team previously argued that the businessman poses no threat and has no reason to harm Thobejane. However, the court ruled otherwise, citing flight risk concerns and potential danger to society.

Concerns Over Flight Risk

During the bail hearing, the state revealed that Matlala allegedly crossed into Eswatini by foot and possesses an Eswatini identity card, which was found in communications on his mobile phone.

Prosecutors further disclosed that he owns a private jet, maintains offshore interests, and holds bank accounts in Mauritius — factors that contributed to the decision to deny bail.

“This is not an ordinary accused before the court,” one prosecutor stated. “Any mistake could see him evade trial altogether.”

Thobejane Reportedly in Hiding

The court also heard that Tebogo Thobejane, who survived the alleged assassination attempt, has since left South Africa out of fear for her safety.

According to state witnesses, Thobejane has been in contact with authorities while remaining abroad. However, Matlala insists that Thobejane contacted him after the incident seeking protection services, a claim prosecutors strongly dispute.

The NPA maintains that Matlala’s actions demonstrate a pattern of manipulation and evasion, reinforcing their opposition to his bail appeal.

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What’s Next

The NPA has submitted requests to the Director of Public Prosecutions and the National Director of Public Prosecutions for approval to merge related cases and expand the charge sheet. A response is expected before the next court date on 11 November 2025.

If approved, the revised indictment could see Matlala face additional charges tied to financial crimes and related violent offenses.