The trial of controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and four co-accused got underway in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg on Monday, with all five accused pleading not guilty to a string of charges linked to three alleged attempted murder incidents.

Matlala is standing trial alongside Tsakani Matlala, Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela and Zandile Nthabiseng Nzama.

The five accused collectively face 25 charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition, money laundering, fraud and, alternatively, defeating or attempting to defeat the administration of justice.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the charges arise from three separate incidents that allegedly took place between August 2022 and January 2024.

The first relates to the attempted murder of prominent taxi businessman Madoda Johannes Sibanyoni and four other complainants in Centurion on 10 August 2022.

The second incident concerns the attempted murder of actress Tebogo Thobejane, Anele Alicia Malinga and Khumbulani Ncube in Bryanston on 17 October 2023.

The third incident involves the attempted murder of Austin Seunkie Mokubong, popularly known as DJ Vetty, together with Leonard Buhle Masango and Tswarelo Tshepiso Pitse in Pretoria West on 29 January 2024.

The State alleges that money was transferred through several bank accounts as payment for the commission of some of the alleged offences, leading to multiple money laundering charges.

Prosecutors further allege that fraudulent documents were created in an attempt to conceal the origin and purpose of the payments, resulting in additional fraud-related charges.

When the charges were put to them in court on Monday, Matlala and his co-accused pleaded not guilty to all counts.

The trial was postponed until Tuesday, when the State is expected to call its first witness.

The NPA said it is ready to proceed with the trial and intends to present witness testimony, forensic evidence, ballistic evidence as well as digital and cellphone evidence in support of its case.

The trial marks another significant legal challenge for Matlala, who has featured prominently in several high-profile criminal investigations in recent years.

In a statement issued after Monday’s proceedings, the NPA said it remained committed to prosecuting the matter fairly and independently.

“The State is trial ready and intends to present witness testimony, forensic and ballistic evidence, as well as digital and cellphone evidence,” NPA Communications Officer for the Gauteng Division, Johannesburg, Magaboke Mohlatlole said.

Mohlatlole said the prosecuting authority would continue placing all relevant and admissible evidence before the court.

“The National Prosecuting Authority remains committed to ensuring that all prosecutions are conducted fairly, independently, and without fear, favour, or prejudice. The NPA will continue to place all relevant and admissible evidence before the court in pursuit of justice for the victims and the broader community,” Mohlatlole said.

The matter is expected to resume in the High Court on Tuesday with the State’s first witness taking the stand as prosecutors begin presenting evidence against the accused.

The case is expected to draw significant public attention given the profile of the complainants, the seriousness of the allegations and the range of evidence the State intends leading during the trial.

The court will ultimately determine whether the State has proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Matlala and his co-accused were involved in the alleged conspiracy and attempted murders.