Matlala's Bid for Freedom Foiled: Court Denies Bail Due to Flight Risk and Witness Tampering Concerns

Mpho Dube
Sep 20
2 min read

Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala

Controversial businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala's bail application has been denied by the Alexandra Magistrate's Court. Matlala, who is facing serious charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering, was deemed a flight risk and a potential threat to state witnesses.

The court ruled that Matlala had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances that would justify his release on bail. Magistrate Syta Prinsloo stated that the nature and seriousness of the offences demonstrate a clear danger to the safety of the community. The state's case, according to the magistrate, cannot be described as weak.

Matlala faces charges linked to his ex-girlfriend, actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane. Thobejane was in a car with a friend when they were shot at while driving on the N1 in 2023. Thobejane sustained a wound to her foot, while her friend suffered a spinal cord injury and spent a long time in the hospital.

During the bail hearing, it was revealed that Matlala allegedly used a fake passport to travel to Eswatini twice. The state also asserted that it has strong circumstantial evidence against Matlala. Thobejane testified that she lives in fear of Matlala and is still traumatized by the shooting incident.

Matlala's case has been postponed to October 7. The court's decision to deny bail means that Matlala will remain in custody until his trial. The state will continue to build its case against Matlala, and the court will ultimately determine his guilt or innocence.

The denial of bail is a significant development in the case, as it suggests that the court takes the allegations against Matlala seriously. The case will continue to unfold, and the outcome will have implications for Matlala, Thobejane, and the broader community. Matlala's future now hangs in the balance as he awaits trial behind bars.