The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the decision by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, which on Wednesday denied the bail application brought by attempted murder accused, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Matlala, who was arrested in April this year, is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering.

Reacting to the ruling, NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, said: “The NPA is thrilled about the court decision to deny the accused bail. We believe that the State has a water-tight case against the accused.”

Matlala is expected to remain in custody until his next court appearance on October 7.

Magistrate Syta Prinsloo denied bail to the tender tycoon, stating that his crimes were too serious. The court concluded that he failed to demonstrate he was not a flight risk or that he would not interfere with witnesses.

 “The applicant has failed to demonstrate that he does not pose a flight risk. The applicant has failed to dispel the risk of interference with State witnesses and the administration of justice. The nature and seriousness of the offences demonstrate a clear danger to the safety of the community. The State’s view at this stage cannot be described as weak because the court is not persuaded and satisfied that the accused has established special circumstances that it would be in the interest of justice if he is released on bail,” she said.

Matlala’s name came under the spotlight in 2021 when whistle-blower Babita Deokaran flagged his companies for possible fraudulent activity at the Tembisa Hospital.

IOL previously reported that Matlala rose to prominence through a series of lucrative contracts with the South African government, one of which was through his company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, which last year secured a R360 million contract to provide health services to the South African Police Service (SAPS) employees.

According to internal documents, the deal generated over R48 million in profits before being abruptly cancelled by National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.

In his previous appearance, the 49-year-old businessman was characterised as a flight risk due to his business connections and the use of a fake Swati-based identity document, which he used to move in and out of the country.

Furthermore, the State pointed out his alleged ownership of a private jet, a boat, and a trust account in Mauritius. All these factors were instrumental in the magistrate’s conclusion that granting him bail would not be in the interest of justice.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za

Source link