Why was Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala denied bail? Here’s what to know

Controversial businessman and tenderpreneur, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, has escalated his legal battle for freedom to the Johannesburg High Court after being denied bail by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court.

Matlala, who remains behind bars, faces a string of serious charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, fraud, and money laundering. He is accused of masterminding a 2023 assassination attempt on his former girlfriend, socialite Tebogo Thobejane.

A Fight for Bail

During Monday’s hearing, Matlala’s defence team argued that his continued detention is unjust and that granting bail would serve the interests of justice. However, the State strongly opposed the application, maintaining that Matlala poses a potential threat to witnesses and the integrity of the investigation.

Senior Defence Counsel Laurance Hodes insisted that the case against Matlala is built on speculation and circumstantial evidence. “There is no direct evidence linking the appellant to these offences,” Hodes told the court. “What we have is suspicion and an attempt to fit a puzzle together — something only a trial should determine.”

State Raises Witness-Tampering Fears

The prosecution countered that Matlala’s actions while in custody reveal a pattern of disregard for the law. State prosecutor Elize Le Roux pointed to the discovery of a cellphone in Matlala’s prison cell and a falsified Eswatini identity card, arguing that such conduct increases the risk of witness interference.

“That cellphone in prison is a means to communicate with the outside world,” Le Roux stated. “Given the nature of these crimes, witnesses already live in fear for their safety. The appellant’s behaviour shows he cannot be trusted.”

Wealth, Trust, and Suspicion

The prosecution further alleged that Matlala, a father of nine, has not been transparent about his assets. While he has denied owning a private jet or a boat in Mauritius, the state claims to have uncovered evidence of a trust entity established in Mauritius in which he had an undisclosed interest.

“When the bail hearing began, Matlala only admitted to the trust after being confronted with evidence,” Le Roux added. “That shows a lack of honesty with the court.”

The Defence Pushback

Matlala’s legal team has maintained that their client is not a flight risk and has cooperated with law enforcement throughout the investigation. They also argued that the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court applied the wrong schedule in determining bail. Both sides have since agreed that the case should fall under Schedule 5, not Schedule 6, as originally applied.

The defence has proposed a R100,000 bail and house arrest, pending the outcome of the trial.

Awaiting Judgment

Judge Syta Prinsloo, who presided over the earlier bail hearing, previously ruled that Matlala could interfere with witnesses if released. The High Court has now reserved judgment on the appeal, leaving Matlala’s fate uncertain for now.

According to the prosecution, once additional dockets are centralised, Matlala could face up to eleven counts of attempted murder — deepening the legal troubles surrounding one of South Africa’s most polarising businessmen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala?
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is a controversial South African businessman and tenderpreneur. He gained notoriety after being accused of orchestrating an attempted hit on his former girlfriend, actress and influencer Tebogo Thobejane, in 2023.

What charges is Vusimuzi Matlala facing?
Matlala faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, fraud, and money laundering. The state also alleges that he has links to criminal networks and possible infiltration within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Why was Vusimuzi Matlala denied bail?
The Alexandra Magistrate’s Court initially denied Matlala bail, citing risks of witness interference and flight. The court also noted concerns after he was found in possession of a cellphone in prison and allegedly used a falsified Eswatini identity card.

What is happening in his High Court appeal?
Matlala’s legal team has appealed to the Johannesburg High Court, arguing that the lower court used the wrong bail schedule and that their client has cooperated fully with police. They also proposed a bail amount of R100,000 and house arrest.

What evidence does the state have against him?
The prosecution claims Matlala paid his co-accused to carry out the attempted murder of Thobejane. They argue that his access to illicit communication tools while in prison and his undisclosed foreign financial interests show he cannot be trusted.

What is Matlala’s defence?
His defence insists there is no direct evidence linking him to the crime, describing the state’s case as circumstantial. They claim the money in question was for funeral expenses, not a payment for a hit.

How many charges could Matlala ultimately face?
According to the state, once all related dockets are consolidated, Matlala could face up to 11 charges of attempted murder alongside fraud and money laundering counts.

What happens next in the case?
Judgment on Matlala’s bail appeal has been reserved by the Johannesburg High Court. A final ruling is expected soon to determine whether he will remain in custody or be released under strict bail conditions.