Vusimuzi Matlala’s Bail Appeal Dismissed by Johannesburg High Court, Cat to Remain Behind Bars
- Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala appealed a ruling made by the Alexander Magistrate’s Court in September 2025
- The controversial businessman was charged with the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane
- The tenderpreuner's legal team argued that he was not a flight risk as the State previously alleged
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 has been denied bail by the Johannesburg High Court.
The controversial businessman, who is charged with the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, appealed a decision by the Alexander Magistrate’s Court to deny him bail initially.
Magistrate Syta Prinsloo ruled in September 2025 that it was not in the interest of justice to release Matlala on bail. She stated that his legal team had failed to prove exceptional circumstances that would justify his release.
Matlala appealed the decision, but Acting Judge du Plessis upheld the initial denial of bail by the Magistrate's Court, dismissing his application.
Matlala’s legal team argues against the State’s claims
In response to the evidence presented by the State, Matlala’s team argued that he was not a flight risk as claimed. The State opposed bail, stating that he allegedly had access to a private jet and was in possession of a fraudulent Eswatini identity document, which he had used to cross the border on multiple occasions.
His defence lawyer also claimed that there wasn’t enough evidence against him, adding that it was circumstantial.
"Here is a man who is being charged on circumstantial evidence of a communication; there is no DNA, they tie firearms from one scene to another, and there is no connection linking him to all of this. These are not his firearms. They arrive at his house, arrest him, deny him bail on the basis that he is a flight risk. They point to a private jet," his lawyer argued.
Source: Getty Images
What else you need to know about Cat Matlala
- Matlala was discussing the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team with Brown Mogotsi, as revealed in WhatsApp chats
- Matlala was also linked to the Jerry Boshoga kidnapping during testimony presented before the Madlanga Commission.
- An anonymous witness at the Madlanga Commission shared Matlala’s ties to KZN Hawks Head, General Lesetja Senona.
- Witness C told the Madlanga Commission that Matlala had links to senior police officials, including Senzo Mchunu.
- More details emerged about how Matlala was able to get his vehicles registered by the State.
Police beefed up security ahead of Cat’s bail application
Briefly News reported that the South African Police Service (SAPS) was afraid of what would happen if Cat Matlala was granted bail.
Security was beefed up for investigators and witnesses, as police believed their lives could be in danger.
Social media users weighed in on the statement, questioning the decision to grant Katiso Molefe bail.
Proofreading by Roxanne Dos Ramos, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
