By Marcus Moloko
The High Court in Johannesburg has dismissed the bail appeal of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, upholding the Alexandra Regional Court’s earlier decision to deny his release.
The High Court ruled that the interests of justice would not be served by granting bail, citing the severity of the charges against the tenderpreneur and the potential threat Matlala posed to witnesses and law enforcement officials.
Matlala is facing charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, fraud, and attempts to defeat the ends of justice, in a case related to the failed assassination of his former lover, socialite Tebogo Thobejane, in October 2023.
During his bail appeal, his legal team argued that the initial ruling was flawed and overly reliant on incorrect legal standards.
The High Court found that, despite procedural missteps in the lower court, the outcome was justified given the weight of the evidence and the risks involved.
The judgment highlighted Matlala’s alleged involvement in violent crimes against Tebogo Thobejane, taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni, and Seunkie DJ Vettys Mokubung.
The court noted that Matlala lacked valid identification documents and posed a flight risk.
“The interests of justice will not be served by the release of the appellant,” the court ruled, given the seriousness of the charges and the prejudice likely to be suffered by the victims and the community.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the decision.
Spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the court made the right decision. “As the NPA, we cannot rest and must work tirelessly to ensure justice takes place,” she said.
South African Police Service spokesperson Athlenda Mathe emphasised the danger Matlala’s release on bail would pose.
“His release would have endangered the lives of witnesses and the investigation team. We’ve had to beef up security around this case to ensure the safety of all involved,” she said.
Matlala’s lawyer indicated that the legal team would be reviewing the judgment and taking further instructions from their client on the next steps.
The case has drawn significant public attention, especially as it unfolds alongside developments in the matter of Katiso ‘KT’ Molefe, who was granted bail of R400 000 in October despite also being an alleged underworld figure and facing equally serious charges.
Both Matlala and Molefe have been implicated at the Madlanga Commission as being part of a criminal syndicate known as ‘The Big 5’ by the police.
Molefe, who also built his empire on government contracts, has been charged with the murder of engineer Armand Swart, who was assassinated outside his Vereeniging workplace last year, in what police have said was a case of mistaken identity. Swart’s firm, Q Tech, had blown the whistle on price gouging on parts for a Transnet tender. Swart was shot 23 times.
On Tuesday, the Madlanga Commission heard that the AK-47 used in the murder of Swart was also used in the murders of DJ Sumbody, DJ Vintos, and Don Tindleni. It had, however, taken months to make that connection.
Molefe’s bail application was at first turned down by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, but granted by the High Court in Johannesburg, with conditions including that he surrender his passport, and can only travel for business if he has informed the investigating officer in the case. He also has to report to the Morningside police station every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between stipulated hours.
When his bail was granted, the NPA said it “respects the court’s decision to grant Molefe bail but maintains that the charges against him are serious and linked to organised crime. The State remains committed to ensuring justice is served through a fair trial.”
The contrast between the two rulings has sparked debate about consistency in bail decisions, which Mathe noted and expressed dissatisfaction with.
“We will continue to investigate all these cases and ensure that we find closure for all families,” she said.
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