The Johannesburg High Court has denied bail to alleged crime boss and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is facing 11 counts of attempted murder and other serious criminal charges. The ruling was handed down on Monday, 27 October 2025, in Pretoria, after Matlala lodged an appeal against an earlier decision by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, which had also refused him bail.
Matlala, who is alleged to be a member of the so-called “Big 5 Cartel,” remains behind bars following the decision. He is accused of orchestrating several assassination attempts, including a 2023 hit on his former girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane. Matlala is also reportedly linked to the alleged R2 billion corruption scandal at Tembisa Hospital.
Thobejane has since left South Africa and is currently living abroad for her safety.
Delivering the judgment, Acting Judge PJ du Plessis said the court’s decision was based strictly on evidence and legal principles, not on public sentiment or the accused’s profile.
“This Court acknowledges the high public profile of the Appellant and the intense media scrutiny surrounding this matter, particularly in the context of broader allegations against the Appellant and the criminal justice system,” Judge du Plessis said. “However, in fulfilling its solemn judicial oath, this judgment is delivered solely on a dispassionate and objective analysis of the facts as presented in the record, the relevant case law, and the legal principles governing bail set out in the Criminal Procedure Act.”
The judge added that the integrity of the judicial process must be preserved and that justice must be administered without fear, favour, or prejudice.
“There is significant public interest in this case, and the Court is mindful of the attention it has drawn from South Africans. Nevertheless, the law must guide the decision,” he said.
Matlala had been denied bail last month by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, with prosecutors arguing that he posed a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses if released.
The State alleges that Matlala has deep ties to high-profile politicians, senior police officials, and members of the judiciary. It is further alleged that he has used his connections to influence investigations and avoid prosecution in the past.
On social media, many South Africans expressed mixed reactions to the ruling, with some suggesting that the judiciary was under pressure following recent criticism over the granting of bail to another accused person, Katiso “KT” Molefe. Molefe, who is alleged to be part of the same criminal network, was released on R400,000 bail earlier this month.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “They are scared now. Why would Molefe be granted bail when there was clear evidence against him? The judiciary is under pressure after the backlash.” Another user said, “Molefe got bail but Matlala can’t. It does not make sense unless it is about public reaction.”
The court did not respond to speculation on social media, maintaining that its decision was grounded in law.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi previously told the media that several politicians and police officials were being investigated for their alleged ties to the criminal network involving North West businessman Brown Mogotsi, murder accused Katiso KT Molefe, and Matlala. In a July media briefing, Mkhwanazi said, “These individuals have captured parts of the police and political system. They are suspected of running dangerous organised criminal operations.”
The allegations of infiltration within the police and political structures have raised serious concerns about corruption and the influence of criminal networks in the justice system.
According to court documents, investigators are still probing Matlala’s financial records, communications, and property holdings. The State has also listed several witnesses, some of whom have been placed under protection.
Legal experts say Matlala has the option to appeal the High Court’s ruling to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA). However, this process could take several months.
Matlala’s legal team did not provide immediate comment following the judgment. At the time of publication, efforts by African Times to reach his lawyers were unsuccessful.
The court ordered that Matlala remain in custody pending the next phase of the trial. His case is expected to return to court later this year as the State prepares to present further evidence and witness testimonies.
