Businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala back in court for bail in actress Tebogo Thobejane attempted murder case

Controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala will be returning to the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning for the continuation of his bail application.

The 49-year-old businessman is charged with the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane.  

The case stems from a shooting on the N1 highway near Sandton in 2023, during which Thobejane - known for her role in Muvhango - was shot in the foot. 

In addition to attempted murder charges, he faces conspiracy to commit murder and money laundering.  

The state is opposing bail.

Last week, Matlala claimed that Thobejane had sought his help and protection after the incident, despite being the alleged target. 

Matlala, who owns the private security company CAT Protection Services, alleged that Thobejane contacted him multiple times between October 2023 and June 2024 for assistance.

He appeared in shackles and under heavy police guard as the high-profile case resumed. 

Four co-accused, including his wife, Tsakani Matlala - who is currently out on bail - are also charged in the matter.

During the shooting, a female passenger in the vehicle sustained a severe spinal injury and has since been left paralysed.

Through his legal counsel, Advocate Laurence Hodes SC, Matlala denied all charges, calling them “baseless” and “lacking in substance”.

“I intend to plead not guilty to all these charges should this matter ever proceed to trial against me. I am certain that I will be found not guilty at the close of the state’s case, as there is no evidence upon which a court acting reasonably could convict me,” Matlala said in a sworn affidavit.

He also denied any direct or indirect involvement in the alleged crimes.

“I challenge the state to demonstrate by way of evidence that I was either directly or indirectly involved in the commission of these heinous crimes. I can state as a matter of fact that I was not involved.”

Matlala confirmed knowing one of the victims listed in the indictment, describing her as a former partner.

“I was advised not to mention her name in this affidavit to protect her identity and for her safety. She and I dated for approximately 13 months beginning in early 2020. I ended the relationship in September 2021. There was no acrimony. We have remained cordial.”

Matlala claimed he only learned about the shooting through social and mainstream media, saying he was unaware of the incident at the time it occurred.

“This particular victim contacted me several times after the shooting, asking for my help and protection, as I am in the security industry,” he said.

“She reached out from October 2023 until around June 2024.”

He said that he eventually declined to assist her, citing the ongoing police investigation. 

Matlala added that she had mentioned several other individuals whom she suspected of orchestrating the shooting. He attached newspaper articles and social media messages as annexures in his affidavit.

“I invite the state to confirm this with the victim and advise her to refrain from contacting me, directly or indirectly, since I am now charged in this case - lest it be said later that I interfered with her during this matter,” he said.

On the charge of conspiracy to commit murder, Matlala denied colluding with anyone, including his co-accused.

“I never met with or conspired with anyone to plan or orchestrate the shooting or killing of the victims listed in the charge sheet - or anyone else, for that matter.”

The state argued strenuously against bail, describing Matlala as “a dangerous criminal with no regard for human life”.

“Apart from arranging the attempted killing of Ms Thobejane in cold blood, he endangered the lives of the occupants of her vehicle. The female passenger who was also wounded has been left paralysed. Her life has been destroyed,” the prosecutor said.

The state further argued that the case fell within the ambit of gender-based violence, as the primary victim is Matlala’s former partner.

Raising flight risk concerns, the state said that Matlala owns a private jet and had travelled abroad at least seven times between 2012 and 2024. 

However, Department of Home Affairs records allegedly show that he had not officially re-entered the country, despite being arrested in South Africa in May 2025.

“This raises the inference that the applicant may have entered the country through informal or undocumented means,” the prosecutor told the court.

The state also accused Matlala of witness tampering, alleging he had been in contact with the daughter of one of his co-accused - who is also a state witness - as recently as 2 May 2025.

The state highlighted that Matlala has a prior conviction for housebreaking with intent to steal and theft from 2001. 

He has also been arrested at least 11 times on various charges, including attempted murder and the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

In light of new allegations raised in Matlala’s affidavit, the state requested a postponement. 

Magistrate Dyta Prinsloo granted the request and postponed the bail application to Monday, September 8, 2025.

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