Cat Matlala who is accused of using falsified documents to secure a luxury property lease in Waterkloof Heights, has abandoned his bail application in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court.

Matlala appeared in court on Wednesday, where he was expected to argue for his release on bail. Instead, he chose to withdraw his application and will remain in custody.

Matlala faces two counts of fraud, two counts of uttering, one count of forgery and a charge of contravening the Identification Act. His three co-accused – Tsakani Matlala (38), Claudette Masethe (31) and Given Makofane (46) – were previously granted bail of R20 000 each.

The state alleges that in January 2025, the four accused acted together to falsify documents submitted to a real estate agent to secure a lease agreement for a property in Waterkloof Heights. The property reportedly commanded a monthly rent of R95 000, with nearly R1.2 million allegedly paid towards the first 12 months of a proposed two-year lease.

Prosecutors further allege that between 13 and 21 January 2025, Matlala unlawfully possessed an identity document issued in the name of Vusumuzi Dlamini. The document purportedly linked him to the Eswatini Royal House, which the state claims he used to reassure the estate agency of his ability to pay for the property.

National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana confirmed that the matter has been postponed to 29 October for further investigations.

Madlanga Commission testimony

Matlala has been a key witness at the Madlanga Commission, where he testified in August under subpoena. During his appearances, he invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination on questions relating to a R360 million SAPS Medicare24 contract and alleged payments to police officers.

However, he did answer questions about his business dealings with other individuals and denied having any relationship with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu or meeting suspended Crime Intelligence deputy head Major-General Feroz Khan.

Matlala is again scheduled to appear in front of the commission on 14 December.

Separate high court trial

Matlala is also facing 25 criminal charges in the Johannesburg High Court, including 11 counts of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, money laundering, fraud, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

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These charges relate to three separate shooting incidents between August 2022 and January 2024, targeting his former girlfriend and socialite Tebogo Thobejane, taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, and music producer Seunkie “DJ Vettys” Mokubung.

The trial began on 20 July, with Matlala and four co-accused – including his wife Tsakani Matlala – pleading not guilty to all charges. The trial has been postponed until 2 November.

Matlala has been denied bail twice in that matter, with both the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court and the Johannesburg High Court ruling that he posed a flight risk and had not demonstrated exceptional circumstances.

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