The Alexandra Magistrates’ Court has dismissed the bail application of alleged fraudster and murder conspirator Vusimuzi ‘Kat’ Matlala, ruling that he is a flight risk with the financial means and networks to evade justice.
The 42-year-old faces a raft of charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, fraud, and money laundering. The allegations centre on an October 2023 plot to assassinate his ex-girlfriend, well-known socialite and businesswoman Tebogo Thobejane, in Johannesburg.
According to the State, Matlala conspired with two alleged accomplices, Musa Kekana and Tiego Floyd Mabusela, to orchestrate the killing. Prosecutors further allege that more than R120 000 was laundered through a funeral parlour to disguise the money trail behind the attempted hit.
Flight risk and fabricated claims
In opposing bail, the prosecution highlighted evidence that Matlala had obtained an illegal Eswatini identity document, enabling him to cross borders without detection. An affidavit by the investigating officer stated that this made him a significant flight risk.
Matlala, through his defence, argued that police had fabricated evidence to implicate him. However, Magistrate Andile Dube rejected his claim, describing it as “unsubstantiated and without merit”.
The court also found that Matlala posed a danger to witnesses. “The accused has not demonstrated exceptional circumstances to justify his release,” Dube ruled, adding that his financial means could be used to intimidate or interfere with state witnesses.
Wider criminal web
The case has revealed what investigators believe is a wider criminal network.
Prosecutors confirmed that two additional dockets from Pretoria have been centralised into the matter, widening the net of accused individuals. These include Matlala’s wife Tsakani Matlala and Mabusela’s daughter, Nthabiseng Nzama, who are alleged to have played roles in laundering money linked to the conspiracy.
The State has requested a postponement to 7 October 2025, when the case is expected to be transferred to the Johannesburg High Court due to its seriousness and the number of accused.
NPA welcomes ruling
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the bail ruling, saying it reinforced the principle that South Africa’s justice system would not tolerate threats to life or organised crime.
“This ruling affirms the rule of law. We remain committed to working with our partners in the criminal justice system to dismantle organised crime and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable,” said Phindi Mjonondwane, NPA regional spokesperson for Gauteng.
Background and public concern
The case has drawn significant public interest, partly because of Thobejane’s profile as a former actress and entrepreneur. In late 2023, reports of the alleged murder plot shocked Johannesburg’s social and business circles. Civil society groups have since urged authorities to prioritise cases involving gender-based violence, arguing that the Matlala matter underscores how financial resources are sometimes used to orchestrate attacks on women.
Legal analysts say the bail outcome signals a hardening stance by courts on matters involving contract killings and money laundering, particularly in Gauteng where such crimes have spiked in recent years.
As the matter heads to the High Court, the prosecution is expected to rely on financial records, cellphone data, and witness testimony to link Matlala and his co-accused to the conspiracy. For now, he will remain behind bars at Johannesburg’s Sun City Correctional Facility as the investigation broadens.
