Vusimuzi Matlala Denied Bail Over Failed Hit on Tebogo Thobejane, Court Considers Cat a Flight Risk
- Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 17 September 2025
- The controversial businessman is accused of orchestrating the 2023 failed hit on his ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane
- Magistrate Dyta Prinsloo handed down her verdict after the State and defence both presented their cases
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala will remain behind bars at Kgoši Mampuru II Correctional Centre after his bail application was denied.
The controversial businessman had his application denied by Magistrate Dyta Prinsloo in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 17 September 2025.
Matlala, the owner of CAT VIP Protection, is accused of orchestrating the 2023 failed hit on his ex-girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane. He faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, fraud and money laundering.
Why was his bail application rejected?
During proceedings on 17 September, the magistrate explained that in his application, Cat failed to convince the court that he was not a flight risk. The court was also concerned that the controversial businessman wouldn't interfere with the witnesses in the case.
The State previously detailed how Matlala used a fake Eswatini ID, under the surname Dlamini, to leave South Africa. In one case, an affidavit from Home Affairs showed that he left the country on foot to enter Eswatini, but there was no record of him ever returning.
The State also alleged that he owned a private jet and foreign assets in Mauritius, making him more of a flight risk.
The matter has been postponed until 7 October 2025.
Confiscated guns linked to numerous cases
While all eyes were on the proceedings to see what would happen to the controversial businessman, police were working hard behind the scenes to link him to other cases.
Speaking to the media outside the courtroom, police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe provided an update on investigations into the weapons seized by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Mathe said that the AK-47 assault rifle and two other firearms were positively linked to at least 18 other cases. You can watch that confirmation below.
What you need to know about Matlala’s case
- Tsakani Matlala was granted bail by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg in June.
- Paul Mashatile confirmed that meetings were held with officials implicated in allegations of ties to Matlala.
- Matlala allegedly threatened to take legal action against the SAPS officials involved in a raid at his property.
- Julius Malema denied having any links to 'Cat' Matlala, but South Africans weren't having it.
- Matlala denied being the mastermind behind the failed hit on his former girlfriend, Thobejane.
- Matlala allegedly used a fake passport to cross into Eswatini on foot.
Cat appears in court in flashy clothes
With Matlala only appearing in court again in October, he won't have a chance to wear his fancy outfits.
Briefly News reported that he turned heads when he recently appeared in court wearing a Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo suit and pants.
He also sported an expensive Rolex watch and informed the court about the properties he owns, which are valued at R8 million.
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Source: Briefly News
