Actress Tebogo Thobejane flees South Africa after ‘hit’ drama with ex-lover Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala appears in the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court under heavy police guard. He is accused of orchestrating a hit on his ex-girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane.
Image: Simon Majadibodu/IOL
The Alexandra Magistrates' Court heard that actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane has fled the country, fearing for her life following an alleged assassination attempt orchestrated by her ex-boyfriend, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
This revelation came during the continuation of Matlala’s bail application on Monday.
The 49-year-old businessman is charged with the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, known for her role in “Muvhango,” stemming from a 2023 shooting on the N1 highway near Sandton.
Thobejane was shot in the foot during the incident.
Matlala also faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder and money laundering.
The state opposed bail, arguing that Matlala is a dangerous individual and a flight risk.
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 connection with the matter.
A female passenger in the vehicle during the shooting sustained a severe spinal injury and has since been left paralysed.
The state told the court that Thobejane fled the country out of fear for her safety. Her current location is unknown.
“It is a fact that Miss Thobejane fled the country out of fear for her life,” the state said.
“She communicated with the investigating team that she still fears for her life and that’s why she will not return. So her life has also changed forever.”
The state further revealed that Thobejane had sent a WhatsApp message to the investigating officer expressing her trauma.
“I must bring to the court’s attention that I received a message from one of the complainants, Miss Thobejane, on Sunday night via WhatsApp, indicating that she was left traumatised after the incident and requested to convey to the court that she is still suffering after the incident because she feels exposed, unsafe and unprotected every day,” the officer said.
Meanwhile, Matlala, through his legal counsel Advocate Laurence Hodes SC, denied having any motive to orchestrate the hit on his former lover.
“Miss Thobejane was in a relationship with me, and my relationship with Miss Thobejane lasted for approximately 13 months,” his lawyer told the court.
“The shooting incident happened three years after the relationship ended, and I am the one who ended it.”
Matlala argued that allegations of him being dangerous were baseless and unsubstantiated.
Magistrate Dyta Prinsloo postponed the bail application to September 17, 2025 for judgment.
IOL News