Johannesburg — The bail bid of controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has once again been delayed, with the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court moving the matter to September 8, 2025. Prosecutors argue Matlala poses both a flight risk and a threat to public safety, while the defence insists the case against him lacks substance.

Court Proceedings and Postponement

Bail Hearing for Businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala Delayed to September 8 as State Cites Flight Risk

Matlala, 49, appeared in shackles under heavy guard on Tuesday for what was scheduled to be his full bail hearing. Instead, Magistrate Dyta Prinsloo postponed the case to allow the state more time to address new claims contained in Matlala’s affidavit.

The businessman, who previously withdrew an earlier bail bid in June, will return on September 8. His co-accused, including his wife Tsakani Matlala, are expected back in court on October 7, 2025.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is also working to centralise seven linked case dockets from multiple jurisdictions, including Pretoria, Vereeniging, and Sandton, into a single trial to be heard in the Johannesburg High Court.

Matlala’s Defence and Affidavit

Through his legal representative, Advocate Laurence Hodes SC, Matlala filed a detailed affidavit rejecting all allegations.

He insists he is “not a violent individual” and that his past convictions were unrelated to violent conduct.

He maintains his detention threatens the operations of CAT Protection Services, a security company he owns, and would negatively impact his nine children.

He offered to post R100,000 bail, hand over his passport, and abide by strict conditions to ease concerns of absconding.

Addressing his relationship with ex-girlfriend Tebogo Thobejane, the alleged target of a 2023 shooting, Matlala said their romance ended amicably in 2021. He claimed she later sought his protection after the attack, which he declined in order to avoid obstructing investigations.

“I never conspired with anyone to plan or execute a shooting or murder,” his affidavit reads.

State’s Opposition and Allegations

The prosecution painted Matlala as a serious threat to society, opposing bail on multiple grounds:

Risk of Flight: Allegedly owns a private aircraft in Mauritius and has travelled abroad several times with questionable re-entry records.

Fraudulent Evidence: Accused of using falsified documents, including a fake funeral invoice and an eSwatini ID.

Witness Tampering: Allegedly contacted witnesses and co-accused through smuggled phones while in custody.

Criminal Record: Includes a 2001 conviction for housebreaking and several past arrests for violent offences.

Prosecutors further highlighted the gender-based violence aspect, stressing that the attack targeted his former partner and left another woman permanently paralysed.

Background to the Charges

The charges stem from an October 2023 shooting outside Saints Champagne Lounge in Sandton, where Thobejane was wounded and her friend paralysed.

Matlala was arrested in May 2025 following a long-running investigation. Among those charged with him are:

Tsakani Matlala – facing money laundering and accessory charges.

Musa Kekana & Tiego Floyd Mabusela – alleged hitmen.

Nthabiseng Nzama – turned state witness.

The case is also linked to broader allegations of organised crime, including the 2022 murder of DJ Sumbody, a cancelled R360 million SAPS tender, and irregular contracts linked to the Tembisa Hospital procurement scandal.