The National Prosecuting Authority says it is ready to proceed with the trial of alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his co-accused over multiple attempted murder charges.
Image: Simon Majadibodu/IOL
The trial of alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his co-accused, including his wife in the Johannesburg High Court is set to begin on July 20, 2026.
This was confirmed by the National Prosecuting Authority on Thursday after the group appeared in court.
The accused are Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, Matlala’s wife Tsakani Matlala, and Mabusela’s daughter, Nthabiseng Nzama.
Kekana is accused number one, Mabusela is accused number two, Matlala is accused number three, Tsakani Matlala is accused number four, and Nzama is accused number five.
The group faces 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder linked to three separate shooting incidents allegedly committed between August 2022 and January 2024.
The State alleges the accused orchestrated shootings, laundered money linked to the alleged plot, and used a fraudulent invoice to conceal the source of funds and mislead the court.
Matlala faces charges stemming from an alleged failed assassination attempt on his former girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, as well as the shootings of taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni and music producer Seunkie “DJ Vetteys” Mokubong.
NPA Gauteng spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole confirmed the trial date.
“The trial is set to commence on 20 July 2026.”
He said Matlala’s legal team had indicated its intention to bring an application to compel the State to furnish outstanding particulars previously requested.
“The application is scheduled to be heard on 15 June 2026.”
Accused number five indicated an intention to submit representations to the Office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions following the refusal of earlier representations by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“Accused one, two and three remain in custody, while the bail of accused four and five has been extended,” he said.
Mohlatlole said the State was ready to proceed with the trial on the scheduled date.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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