Controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala will face trial in the Johannesburg High Court next year after his case was transferred from the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court due to the gravity of charges against him.
Matlala appeared before the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday alongside his four co-accused: Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, Zandile Nthabiseng Nzama, and his wife, Tsakane Matlala. The group faces a total of 25 charges, with 11 counts relating to attempted murder stemming from three separate shooting incidents between August 2022 and January 2024.
The case has been postponed to 29 January 2026 for their first appearance before the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Johannesburg.
The most prominent charges relate to a 2023 attempted murder of Matlala’s ex-girlfriend, television personality and businesswoman Tebogo Thobejane. Thobejane was ambushed and shot on the N1 highway near Sandton, with the attack also causing a spinal cord injury to her friend who was travelling with her.
The State alleges that Matlala orchestrated the shooting as part of a conspiracy to murder Thobejane. Additional attempted murder charges stem from alleged involvement in the shootings of Pretoria taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni and entertainer Seunkie ‘DJ Vettys’ Mokubung.
Beyond the violent crimes, the State further alleges that Matlala and his co-accused laundered over R120,000 connected to the alleged murder plot. They are accused of submitting fraudulent invoices in an attempt to conceal the origin of the funds and mislead the court.
The charges also include conspiracy to commit murder, fraud, and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
Matlala was denied bail by the Johannesburg High Court in October 2025, with the court citing the severity of the charges, risk to public safety, and concerns that he posed a flight risk. The court found the state’s case to be substantial and determined that releasing him would be contrary to the interests of justice.
While Matlala and two alleged hitmen remain in custody, his wife Tsakani Matlala and co-accused Nzama have been released on bail.
The 42-year-old Matlala is known for his involvement in security and medical services companies and has been described as a “security boss” and “tenderpreneur.” His estimated net worth is believed to be between R100-R150 million.
The businessman has faced previous legal challenges and has been a controversial figure in South African business circles.
The National Prosecuting Authority is working to centralise multiple dockets involving Matlala to consolidate charges, which may result in additional counts being added to the current 25 charges.
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