Controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is due to return to the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on Monday for the continuation of his bail application in a high-profile attempted murder case.
The 49-year-old, who owns the private security company CAT Protection Services, faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and money laundering.
The case relates to a 2023 shooting on the N1 highway near Sandton, in which his former girlfriend, actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane, was wounded in the foot. Another woman in the vehicle suffered a spinal injury and has since been paralysed.
Matlala is among five accused, including his wife, Tsakani Matlala, who is currently out on bail. He appeared in shackles and under heavy police guard when proceedings resumed last week.
In a sworn affidavit, Matlala denied any involvement in the crimes and insisted the charges against him were baseless. He maintained that he only became aware of the shooting through media reports and claimed Thobejane later contacted him for help and protection, reaching out to him several times between October 2023 and June 2024. He said he eventually declined to assist her, citing the ongoing police investigation.
Matlala also acknowledged knowing one of the other victims listed in the indictment, describing her as a former partner with whom he maintains cordial relations. He denied colluding with anyone, including his co-accused, to plan or carry out the attack.
The state has strongly opposed bail, portraying Matlala as a dangerous figure with no regard for human life. Prosecutors argued that the shooting not only targeted Thobejane but also left another victim paralysed, placing the case within the scope of gender-based violence.
Concerns were also raised about flight risk, with the state pointing out that Matlala owns a private jet and had travelled abroad multiple times between 2012 and 2024.
According to Home Affairs records, he did not officially re-enter the country before his arrest in May 2025, raising suspicions that he may have used undocumented means of entry.
The prosecution further accused Matlala of attempting to interfere with witnesses, alleging recent contact with the daughter of one of his co-accused, who is also a state witness.
His criminal history was also highlighted, including a prior conviction for housebreaking in 2001 and at least 11 previous arrests on charges such as attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms.
Following the new claims raised in his affidavit, the state requested more time to respond. Magistrate Dyta Prinsloo postponed the bail application to Monday, 8 September 2025.
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