The trial of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and four co-accused began in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg on Monday (20 July), with all five pleading not guilty to 25 charges.

Matlala, alongside Tsakani Matlala, Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela and Zandile Nthabiseng Nzama, face charges including conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition, money laundering, fraud and alternatively, defeating or attempting to defeat the administration of justice.

The charges relate to three separate incidents between August 2022 and January 2024. The first involves the attempted murder of taxi businessman Madoda Johannes Sibanyoni and four others in Centurion on 10 August 2022.

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The second incident concerns actress Tebogo Thobejane, Anele Alicia Malinga and Khumbulani Ncube in Bryanston on 17 October 2023. The third relates to Austin Seunkie Mokubong, known as DJ Vetty, Leonard Buhle Masango and Tswarelo Tshepiso Pitse in Pretoria West on 29 January 2024.

The State alleges that funds were transferred through various bank accounts as payment for some of the alleged offences, leading to the money laundering charges. Prosecutors claim fraudulent documents were created to conceal the source and purpose of these payments.

The trial was adjourned to 21 July, when the State is expected to call its first witness. Prosecutors indicated they are trial-ready and intend to present witness testimony, forensic and ballistic evidence, as well as digital and cellphone evidence.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) communications officer for the Gauteng Division, Magaboke Mohlatlole, said the NPA remains committed to conducting all prosecutions fairly, independently and without fear, favour or prejudice.

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