Four people, including alleged underworld figure Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala and his wife Tsakani Matlala, have appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court in connection with an alleged fraudulent lease agreement for a property in Waterkloof Heights, Pretoria.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that Vusumuzi Matlala, 50, Tsakani Matlala, 38, Claudette Masethe, 31, and Given Makofane, 46, face charges relating to the alleged falsification of documents used to secure the lease.

The accused face two counts of fraud, two counts of uttering and a charge of forgery.

Vusumuzi Matlala faces an additional charge of contravening the Identification Act.

According to the NPA, the four accused allegedly acted with a common purpose during January 2025 by falsifying documents to obtain a lease agreement for the Pretoria property through a real estate agent.

The State alleges that the alleged fraudulent activity took place between 13 and 21 January 2025.

The NPA also alleges that during this period Vusumuzi Matlala unlawfully possessed an identity document issued in the name of Vusumuzi Dlamini.

According to the prosecution, the identity document purported to be associated with the Eswatini Royal House and was allegedly used to obtain the lease.

The allegations are now before the court and have not been tested in a trial.

During Wednesday’s court proceedings, Vusumuzi Matlala opted not to bring a bail application.

The State indicated that it intends to oppose his bail application, which is scheduled to be heard on 14 and 15 October 2026.

The NPA said the State did not oppose bail for the three other accused.

Tsakani Matlala, Masethe and Makofane were each released on R20 000 bail.

Their bail comes with several conditions.

The three accused may not contact State witnesses. They are also required to report to their nearest police station and must surrender their passports to the investigating officer.

They must further inform the investigating officer if they intend travelling outside Gauteng.

The case involving the three accused was postponed to 29 October 2026 to allow for further investigations.

The NPA said the allegations against the four accused relate specifically to the lease agreement for the Waterkloof Heights property.

The latest court appearance follows the arrest of Tsakani Matlala in connection with the alleged fraudulent lease agreement.

The NPA has not indicated that the four accused have been convicted of any of the charges.

They remain accused persons until the matter is finalised by the court.

NPA Regional Spokesperson for the Gauteng Division in Pretoria, Lumka Mahanjana, confirmed the developments.

The State’s decision to oppose Vusumuzi Matlala’s bail application will be considered when his bail proceedings resume in October.

The other three accused are expected back in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on 29 October for further investigations.