Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala (with glasses ) appears alongside co-accused Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, Tsakani Matlala, and Nthabiseng Nzama at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court
Image: Simon Majadibodu/IOL
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that representations submitted by Zandile Nthabiseng Nzama, a co-accused in the high-profile case involving Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, have been formally declined by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Nzama appeared before the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg where her legal team indicated plans to escalate the matter to the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) in an effort to challenge the decision.
NPA Gauteng spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the court has since concluded pre-trial proceedings and postponed the matter to April 7, 2026.
On that date, the defence is expected to bring a possible application to compel the State to provide further particulars relating to the charges. Prosecutors have indicated they are ready to proceed to trial.
Nzama has been charged alongside Matlala, his wife Tsakani Matlala, Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, and Mabusela’s daughter, Nthabiseng Nzama.
The four accused face a total of 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder. The charges arise from three separate shooting incidents allegedly carried out between August 2022 and January 2024.
According to the State, the accused were involved in orchestrating at least one of the shootings. Authorities further allege that the group engaged in money laundering activities linked to the alleged criminal scheme and used fraudulent invoicing to conceal the origin of funds and mislead the court.
The NPA reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability in cases involving violent crime and complex financial misconduct.
“The National Prosecuting Authority remains committed to ensuring that those accused of violent crime and complex criminal schemes are held accountable through the criminal justice system,” said Mohlatlole.
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