Businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala and four co-accused pleaded not guilty on Monday to 25 charges linked to three attempted murders allegedly committed between 2022 and 2024.
The trial opened in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg. The State alleges Matlala used company bank accounts to finance the attacks, including transfers of R20,000 and R100,000 before the October 2023 shooting of actress Tebogo Thobejane in Bryanston.
Matlala, his wife Tsakani Matlala, Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela and Zandile Nthabiseng Nzama face charges including conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, money laundering and unlawful possession of firearms. The State plans to present bank records, cellphone data and forensic ballistics.
Judge Cassim Moosa adjourned proceedings until Tuesday, when the first witness is expected. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe described the evidence as a “watertight case” and noted one victim still requires crutches.
