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

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.

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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.

Source: Briefly News