'Can I come out of hiding?' WhatsApp's expose ‘Cat’ Matlala’s fake identity in Tebogo Thobejane case

“Can I come out of hiding?” This is one of the messages the State says it found on the phone of controversial businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, who allegedly used a false Eswatini identity under the surname “Dlamini” while on the run.

Matlala is back in the Alexandra Magistrates Court, where his bail application is continuing.

Matlala is accused of orchestrating a 2023 hit on his ex-girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane.

The state is opposing his release, flagging discrepancies in his affidavit - including claims that he made multiple trips to Eswatini on foot and destroyed both his own cellphone and that of his wife.

The state also told the court that Matlala used a false Eswatini identity under the surname “Dlamini,” which was linked to his old cellphone number.

In a WhatsApp message dated December 22, 2024, Matlala asked his lawyer, “Can I come out of hiding?” and later added, “Please advise, can I go home to Eswatini, as I am still in hiding?”

The state referred to a Section 212 affidavit from Home Affairs, attached to Matlala’s original bail affidavit. 

According to the affidavit, a Home Affairs official verified Matlala’s border movements against three data systems. 

Records show that the applicant crossed the Oshoek port of entry on three occasions:

- February 11, 2024: Departed South Africa on foot.

-February 12, 2024: Returned to South Africa, also on foot.

- April 19, 2024: Departed again from South Africa on foot. The records revealed that there was no record of return.

The state questioned why Matlala would travel to Eswatini for only one night, twice, in such a short time period. 

They argued this pattern suggests the applicant is not being fully transparent.

Additionally, the state highlighted that Matlala did not attach his passport to support his claims and only relied on generalised criticism of the Home Affairs systems being “unreliable.”

The state further alleged that Matlala requested his Eswatini ID from his wife. 

A WhatsApp message retrieved from her phone - and mirrored on his - shows that on March 18, 2025 at 5.48pm, he asked her to send him the ID because he had deleted it. 

She responded by forwarding a photo of the false Eswatini identity document. 

“The number Matlala used was saved as “Hubby” on her phone.”

“The same number appeared in a WhatsApp chat with his then-lawyer, Mr Steenkamp, in which the contact name was saved as “Dlamini,” the state said.

The state argued this is further proof that Matlala knowingly used the fake identity.

On December 6, 2024, police conducted a search at Matlala’s home during what they described as an urgent, intelligence-driven operation. 

“According to an affidavit from Deputy Provincial Commissioner Major General MM (Mbuso) Khumalo, they had reliable information that a kidnapping victim was being held at the premises.”

Due to the time-sensitive nature, no arrest warrant was obtained, but the operation was carried out under Section 22 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

“Five firearms and five mobile phones (three iPhones and two Nokias) were seized. The phones were returned on December 12, 2024.”

The state emphasised that no Apple Watches, iPads or MacBooks were taken, as previously alleged.

Although the applicant’s brother-in-law signed for the return of the phones, Matlala later claimed he destroyed both his and his wife’s phones after their return. Upon his arrest on May 14, 2025, two newly acquired phones were seized.

WhatsApp data downloaded from these new phones included 289 pages of messages from his wife’s phone, starting from December 11, 2024, and 386 pages from Matlala’s phone, beginning the same day.

“The messages showed matching content and timestamps - including the March 2025 request for the Eswatini ID.”

This led the state to argue that it would be implausible for investigators to have planted such extensive and consistent digital records across both devices.

“In December 10, 2024, a Designated Firearms Officer (DFO), Warrant Officer Barath, conducted a compliance inspection at CAT Protection Security Services. According to his affidavit, no one was present at the premises, and contact was made with Mr Sankobi.”

The actual inspection only occurred on December 19, due to scheduling delays, and revealed irregularities in the issuance of firearm permits. 

“The applicant (referring to Matlala) was found in possession of a duplicate key to the gun safe, which contravenes the Firearms Control Act.”

The state said all firearms were seized until compliance was confirmed and ballistic clearance completed.

“The weapons were later returned after legal requirements were met.”

Meanwhile, Matlala, through his legal counsel Advocate Laurence Hodes SC, denied all the allegations.

“As stated in my founding affidavit, I have no knowledge of this photo and Eswatini identity card,” he said in court.

He alleged that the police had tampered with his mobile devices.

“The police have illegally tampered with my phones and planted false information on them in order to falsely incriminate me and frustrate my application for bail.”

Matlala also raised concerns about the timing of the phones’ return. 

He said his attorney had requested their release as early as June 30, 2025 and again on September 4, 2025. 

They were only returned on the morning of the bail hearing, leaving “inadequate time” for his forensic expert to review the data.

“I obviously would not have had adequate time for my forensic expert to prepare a well-considered report of my mobile phones,” he added.

The state argued that Matlala went into hiding after police began investigations at his home and business, and that the decision to apply for a formal arrest warrant was based on intelligence that he might flee the country.

In WhatsApp messages retrieved from his phone, Matlala - using the name “Dlamini” - wrote to his lawyer, “Good morning. Please let me know if the police agree on the proposed date you suggested and, if they agree, can I go back home? I’m still in hiding even now.”

The lawyer responded, “Yes, that must follow that you go home, sir.”

“The state argued that the use of the “Dlamini” name, paired with the false Eswatini identity and confirmed message history, shows Matlala took deliberate steps to mislead the court and avoid accountability.

Magistrate Dyta Prinsloo postponed the bail application to September 17, 2025, for a  judgment.

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