Businessman Vusimuzi Matlala Denied Bail Over Flight Risk Concerns in Tebogo Thobejane Hit Plot
Businessman Vusimuzi Matlala Denied Bail Over Flight Risk Concerns in Tebogo Thobejane Hit Plot, as the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court ruled that his release would not serve the interests of justice, citing evidence like a fraudulent Eswatini identity document, cellphone use in prison, and unexplained travel to the neighbouring kingdom.
In a packed courtroom at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on 17 September 2025, controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala saw his bid for freedom dashed when Magistrate Syta Prinsloo denied his bail application. The decision came after days of heated arguments, with the State painting Matlala as a high flight risk who could tamper with witnesses and endanger public safety.
Matlala, arrested in May 2025, faces serious charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering, all stemming from an alleged plot to assassinate his ex-girlfriend, actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane, in October 2023. The court’s ruling highlighted specific red flags: his possession of a cellphone while in prison, a passport stamp showing entry into Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) without any record of return, and other indicators of his ability to flee. This outcome has sent ripples through South Africa’s legal and social circles, underscoring the challenges in prosecuting high-profile figures linked to organised crime.
Matlala, a flamboyant entrepreneur known for his lavish lifestyle and connections in business and politics, has been in custody since his dramatic arrest at his upscale Johannesburg home. The 45-year-old, who hails from Limpopo but built his empire in Gauteng, made his fortune through construction, mining, and entertainment ventures. Nicknamed “Cat” for his reputed nine lives in dodging scandals, Matlala has long been a fixture in tabloid headlines, often flaunting luxury cars, private jets, and celebrity associations. His relationship with Thobejane, a popular figure in Mzansi’s entertainment scene known for her roles in TV shows and her bustling social media presence, turned sour, leading to the events that landed him behind bars.
The Alleged Plot: A Night of Terror in Sandton
The case revolves around a chilling incident on 7 October 2023, when Thobejane was driving her luxury SUV in Sandton, Johannesburg’s glitzy financial hub. Gunmen in a following vehicle opened fire, riddling her car with bullets. Miraculously, Thobejane escaped with minor injuries, but the attack left her traumatised and sparked a major police investigation. Prosecutors allege that Matlala orchestrated the hit, motivated by a bitter breakup and disputes over shared assets. Evidence presented includes cellphone records linking him to suspects, financial transactions suggesting payments for the job, and witness statements pointing to his involvement.
Thobejane, 35, has spoken publicly about the ordeal, describing it as a “living nightmare” that forced her to relocate and beef up security. In interviews, she claimed Matlala had become controlling and vengeful after their split, allegations he denies. The actress, who rose to fame through appearances on reality TV and her entrepreneurial ventures in beauty and fashion, has since advocated for women’s safety, using her platform to highlight gender-based violence. Her survival story has resonated with many, turning the case into a symbol of resilience against powerful abusers.
Investigators pieced together the plot through forensic analysis and informant tips. Two alleged hitmen were arrested shortly after, and their confessions implicated Matlala as the mastermind. The money laundering charge stems from suspicious transfers through his companies, which authorities say were used to fund criminal activities. Matlala maintains his innocence, pleading not guilty and claiming the accusations are a smear campaign by rivals. His defence team argued during the bail hearing that he has strong ties to South Africa, including family and businesses, making flight unlikely.
Court Proceedings: Building the Case Against Bail
The bail application unfolded over several days, starting on 2 September 2025, with judgment reserved until 17 September. State prosecutor Advocate Thabo Mokoena presented damning evidence to show Matlala as a flight risk. Key exhibits included a fraudulent Eswatini identity document under the name Vusimuzi Dlamini, which Matlala allegedly used to cross borders undetected. Home Affairs officials in Eswatini confirmed the ID was issued irregularly, with a senior officer stating, “I acted in good faith,” but admitting procedural lapses.
Further, Matlala’s passport showed an entry stamp into Eswatini without a corresponding exit or return to South Africa, raising suspicions of evasion tactics. The State also revealed he was caught with a cellphone in prison, contravening rules and suggesting he could coordinate escapes or intimidate witnesses from behind bars. Magistrate Prinsloo noted these factors in her ruling: “The court was not convinced that he is not a flight risk: cellphone in prison, passport to Swaziland and no record of his return from Swaziland, all worked to keep him behind bars.”
Matlala’s team countered by denying ownership of offshore assets, including a private jet and boat in Mauritius, which the State claimed could facilitate flight. “I don’t own a jet or boat in Mauritius,” Matlala testified, accusing investigators of fabricating evidence. He also argued he lied about aspects of his life to protect his family, but the court found his explanations unconvincing. Prinsloo emphasised that Matlala failed to prove exceptional circumstances under Schedule 6 offences, which include premeditated murder attempts, and that his release could jeopardise the trial.
Links to the Madlanga Commission: Broader Allegations of Interference
Matlala’s troubles extend beyond the Thobejane case. His name surfaced prominently in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which began hearings on the same day as his bail ruling. KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Matlala and other underworld figures of interfering with sensitive police operations, including probes into political killings and drug syndicates. Mkhwanazi claimed Matlala used his influence to derail investigations, linking him to a network of corrupt officials and criminals.
The commission, chaired by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is probing criminality and political meddling in the justice system. Matlala’s alleged ties to this web add weight to the State’s bail opposition, suggesting he has resources and connections to evade justice. Legal analysts say this overlap could lead to more charges, complicating his defence.
🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Central-News-Issue-114-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za