Matlala and co-accused plead not guilty as attempted murder trial set to hear evidence

By Johnathan Paoli

The attempted murder trial of alleged underworld figure Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala and his four co-accused is set to begin hearing evidence on Tuesday after the Johannesburg High Court concluded preliminary proceedings.

Presiding over proceedings on Monday, Judge Cassim Moosa warned the accused that they face life imprisonment if convicted on the most serious charges and urged them to actively participate in their defence.

“I do not want you to sit in the accused dock, relax there and contemplate life. I want you to take an active part in your defence during the course of this trial. It is your trial, it is your duty to ensure that you participate. It doesn’t mean that you’re sitting in a movie house and you’re just watching what’s happening,” Moosa said.

The proceedings were largely dominated by legal arguments over the trial schedule before all five accused entered pleas of not