Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala will remain behind bars following a ruling by Magistrate Syta Prinsloo, who denied his bail application in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

Matlala faces serious charges stemming from a 2023 shooting on the N1 highway near Sandton, which left actress Tebogo Thobejane’s friend with a spinal cord injury.

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Matlala is charged with conspiracy to commit murder, three counts of attempted murder, and money laundering. The incident, which the state argued falls within the scope of gender-based violence due to Matlala’s previous relationship with Thobejane.

During the bail hearing, the court heard the state’s evidence linking Matlala to the attempted murders of taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni in 2022, and Seunkie “Dj Vettys” Mokunung in 2024.

Furthermore, the state presented evidence suggesting Matlala poses a flight risk and a danger to public safety. The prosecutor cited his access to a private jet, history international travel, possession of an alleged fraudulent Eswatini ID on his phone and alleged informal re-entry into South Africa. Concerns were also raised about witness intimidation, with reports of threatening calls to Thobejane and communication with a state witness.

Magistrate Prinsloo, in her ruling, stated that the pattern of allegations across three separate incidents including the shootings of Thobejane, Sibanyoni, and DJ Vettys shooting, suggests repeated modus operandi involving targeted violence. She acknowledged that Matlala disputes the allegations but emphasised the weight of the state’s case.

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“Even accepting that the applicant disputes the allegation, the gravity and the consistency of the state’s version creates a substantial risk that his release would endanger the safety and the security of the complainants and the wider community.”

Ultimately, the court found that Matlala had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances warranting his release. “This court is therefore not persuaded that the applicant has established exceptional circumstances, which overcomes the presumption that his release would pose a danger to the community.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s bail application was denied by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. The judgement follows a detailed hearing into his alleged involvement in the 2023 attempted murder of actress Tebogo Thobejane. #alexandra #vusicatmatlala ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Matlala’s defence, led by Advocate Laurence Hodes SC, had argued during the hearing that his business interests, family responsibilities, and health concerns, including chronic asthma and tonsillitis, justified bail. He denied any intent to flee or interfere with witnesses and claimed to have returned from Eswatini through official channels, despite gaps in Home Affairs records.

The court was not convinced. Matlala is expected to return to court on 7 October.

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