Alexandra Magistrate’s Court Denies Bail for Businessman Vusmuzi “Cat” Matlala

JOHANNESBURG, 17 Sept 2025 – The Alexandra Magistrate’s Court has denied bail to businessman Vusmuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is facing multiple charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering.

Matlala, who was accused of ordering a hit on his former partner in October last year, appeared in court after a two-day bail application that drew widespread attention. The state argued that Matlala posed a significant flight risk due to his access to a private jet, a fraudulent Eswatini identity card, and an offshore Mauritius trust account.

The State’s Case

Prosecutors further pointed to evidence suggesting that Matlala maintained connections within the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other alleged criminal networks. They highlighted phone records linking him to Brown Mogosi, who was reportedly in contact with Matlala while he was in Kgosi Mampuru prison.

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The state also revealed that Matlala had allegedly paid R100,000 to one of the accused involved in the alleged plot against actress Tebogo Thobejane, questioning why such payments were made if he was not the mastermind behind the attempted hit.

Additionally, the state raised concerns about his movements in Eswatini, claiming he crossed the border multiple times on foot and may have been planning to flee South Africa in December.

Matlala’s Defence

During his bail bid, Matlala insisted that the case against him was weak, arguing that there was no DNA evidence or video footage linking him to the alleged crimes. He also claimed he was being harassed by law enforcement and maintained that his past relationship with Thobejane ended amicably, leaving no motive for him to order a hit.

His legal team had requested that, if granted bail, he be placed under house arrest as a condition to ensure he would not evade trial.

The Court’s Ruling

Delivering judgment under Schedule 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act, the court found that Matlala failed to prove the existence of exceptional circumstances that would justify his release on bail.

The magistrate ruled:

• Matlala remains a flight risk.
• He could potentially interfere with state witnesses or obstruct justice.
• The seriousness of the offences posed a danger to the community.
• The state’s case, at this stage, cannot be described as weak.

As a result, the court refused bail, keeping Matlala in custody pending trial.

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Background

Matlala, previously awarded a R360 million government tender that was later withdrawn, has been linked to what authorities describe as a sophisticated crime syndicate. His name was also mentioned by KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who raised concerns about his alleged influence and connections within the SAPS.

The case will now proceed with pre-trial processes, with investigators continuing to gather evidence against the businessman.