Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s Bail Appeal Judgment Reserved, Defence Claims State Has a Weak Case
- Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala appealed his bail denial, with his case being heard in the Johannesburg High Court
- The controversial businessman is charged with the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane
- The judge in the matter has reserved judgment, with Matlala returning to prison until the verdict is delivered
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 have to wait a bit longer to find out whether he will be granted bail or not.
The controversial businessman, who is charged with the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, was initially denied bail in September 2025. Matlala has since appealed that bail denial decision, with his matter heard in the Johannesburg High Court on Monday, 20 October 2025, but the judge did not provide a ruling on the same day.
He also faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder and money laundering. Matlala will stand trial for the charges along with his wife Tsakani, and Teigo Floyd, and Musa Kekana. Kekana’s daughter, Nithabising Nzama, will also stand trial after she was charged with money laundering.
Why Matlala appealed his bail decision
The tenderpreuner’s legal team argued that they were not given enough time to prepare for his bail proceedings, as the judge ruled that it was a Schedule 6 offence, when they were preparing for a Schedule 5 offence. The defence also argued that Matlala should have been given house arrest, as the State’s case is weak.
They’ve also argued against the assertion that he is a flight risk. The State believes that Matlala is a flight risk due to the fact that he has a passport under a fake name.
The tenderpreneur allegedly uses an eSwatini passport under the name, Vusimuzi Dlamini. His legal team have denied this as well.
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 public reaction to Malema's denial was mixed.
- 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
