Businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala’s Bail Application Postponed to September 2 in Alexandra Magistrates’ Court
Businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala’s bail application postponed to September 2 in Alexandra Magistrates’ Court.
In a case that has gripped public attention due to its links to high-profile figures and alleged corruption, Pretoria-based businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, 49, will remain behind bars for at least another week after the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, postponed his formal bail application to 2 September 2025. Matlala, accused of masterminding a 2023 hit on his ex-girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane, faces serious charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering.
He appeared briefly alongside four co-accused under heavy police guard and in shackles, transported from the high-security C-Max unit at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre, where he is held alongside convicted murderer Thabo Bester. The postponement allows for the centralisation of seven related dockets from various jurisdictions, as the State prepares to consolidate the cases for a potential move to the Johannesburg High Court. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed it will oppose Matlala’s bail bid, citing the gravity of the allegations tied to violence and financial misconduct.
Charges and the Incident: A Plot Rooted in Personal and Financial Disputes
The charges against Matlala stem from a shooting on the N1 highway near Sandton in 2023, where Thobejane, known for her role in the TV series Muvhango, was shot in the foot while in her vehicle. A female passenger sustained a serious spinal injury during the attack. Investigators allege Matlala orchestrated the hit, leading to his arrest on 14 May 2025 in Midrand following a high-profile probe. The case also involves money laundering accusations, linked to millions of rands, including funds from a controversial R360 million South African Police Service (SAPS) health services tender awarded to a company associated with Matlala. That tender was cancelled in May 2025 by Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, who stated the company should never have qualified.
Matlala’s co-accused include his wife Tsakani Matlala, Musa Kekana, Teigo Floyd Mabusela, and Nthabiseng Nzama. The group faces similar charges related to the attempted murder and conspiracy. During Tuesday’s proceedings, Magistrate Dyta Prinsloo postponed Matlala’s bail hearing, saying: “With regards to accused number three (Cat Matlala), the matter is postponed until September 2 back to this court for a formal bail application. He will then remain in custody with no bail.” The other two accused were also denied bail, while the four co-accused will return on 7 October 2025 for the State to proceed with centralising the dockets.
Co-Accused and Bail Status: Family Members and Hitmen Involved
Tsakani Matlala, added to the charge sheet in May 2025, was granted R20,000 bail due to her poor health and responsibilities as a mother. Her conditions include surrendering her passport, staying within Gauteng, and avoiding contact with witnesses or relatives of the other accused. Nthabiseng Nzama, 23, the daughter of another accused, was also released on bail. However, Kekana and Mabusela remain in custody, as they are also detained for a separate case in Vereeniging. The two are described as the hitmen allegedly hired by Matlala, and they are on warning in this matter but behind bars for the other.
State’s Strategy: Opposing Bail and Centralising Dockets
NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed outside court that the State is ready to oppose Matlala’s bail: “As the State, we are ready and intend to oppose the bail application of Mr Matlala, as he indicated that next week he will make his bail application bid.” She explained the reason for centralisation: “The centralisation means us as the State combining the dockets, which will include three dockets from different jurisdictions. You will recall that on this matter there’s a Vereeniging case, as well as two cases from Pretoria. Now those cases fall under the jurisdiction of Pretoria, hence we saw the need to apply for centralisation and get approval from the office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP).”
The seven dockets—from Orlando (two), Pretoria West (two), Sandton (two), and Vereeniging (one)—are linked by common elements, and the State plans to handle them together to streamline the process. The NPA has indicated the consolidated matter will eventually transfer to the Johannesburg High Court for trial.
Broader Context: Matlala’s Controversial Background and Linked Scandals
Matlala, a well-known figure in Pretoria’s business circles, has been embroiled in multiple controversies. Beyond the attempted murder, he is linked to fraud and corruption through his companies, which allegedly secured tenders irregularly. The cancelled SAPS tender, worth R360 million for health services, was flagged for procurement flaws, with Masemola stating the company should never have passed bidding. Investigations suggest Matlala laundered funds from this and other deals.
Thobejane has spoken publicly about the trauma, saying the attack changed her life and calling for justice. The case has drawn media attention, with videos from the court appearance showing Matlala under heavy guard. Public reactions on social media express shock at the allegations, with many calling for accountability in tender processes.
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