Embattled businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, has been denied bail by Johannesburg High Court in an attempted murder case involving his ex-girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane.

Matlala, who was named by Crime Intelligence boss Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo at the Madlanga Commission as a member of the so-called “Big Five” cartel, appeared before the High Court last Monday to appeal the denial of his bail after being refused release last month.

He is charged with the attempted murder of Thobejane following a shooting incident on the N1 highway near Sandton in 2023. 

He also faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder and money laundering.

Thobejane, known for her role in Muvhango, was allegedly shot in the foot during the attack.

Matlala was denied bail in September at the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court after Magistrate Syta Prinsloo ruled that he had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances justifying his release and found that he posed a flight risk.

The state opposed bail, pointing to Matlala’s alleged access to a private jet, foreign assets in Mauritius, and possession of a fraudulent Eswatini identity document.

However, last week, Matlala’s legal representative, Advocate Laurance Hodes, SC, argued that the state misled the court by claiming the accused owned a private jet and a boat in Mauritius.

Hodes said there was no evidence of either asset and therefore nothing to indicate that Matlala was a flight risk.

He added that Matlala had been aware of the investigation since December 2024 and had consistently cooperated with authorities, including undergoing a 10-hour interrogation.

The State, which continues to oppose bail, previously said Matlala was found with a mobile phone during a raid at Kgosi Mampuru Prison, demonstrating his ability to bypass lawful restrictions and communicate with the outside world, potentially endangering witnesses.

Prosecutors said the phone contained the contact information of a police officer saved as “operator” and showed attempted contact from North West businessman Brown Mogotsi.

Mogotsi has been implicated in broader claims of police corruption by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, among others.

The State also argued that Matlala had failed to submit proper evidence in support of his bail application.

Meanwhile, Matlala has been at the centre of proceedings before the Madlanga Commission, which is probing corruption and interference within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

His name has repeatedly surfaced at the commission in connection with allegations of organised crime and corruption.

Khumalo previously alleged that Matlala is part of the “Big Five” cartel, which has infiltrated political structures and works with politicians for personal gain.

He warned that the cartel’s primary objective is to remain operational “for as long as possible” and is actively securing influence by forging alliances with politicians, law enforcement officials, and business leaders.

The cartel allegedly recruits members based on expertise in specific illicit trades, forming compact syndicates of between two and 12 individuals. 

While drugs remain its main commodity, the syndicate is also implicated in extortion and contract killings linked to its narcotics operations.

The commission is investigating explosive allegations of political interference, protection of criminal syndicates, corruption within the SAPS, and the alleged capture of the judiciary made by Mkhwanazi in July.

*This is a developing story*

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL News

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