Alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his four co-accused appeared before the Johannesburg High Court on Monday 20 July 2026 as their high-profile trial on 25 charges including 11 counts of attempted murder got underway. Image:ndashe on x
The high-profile trial of alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has begun at the Johannesburg High Court. The Cat Matlala trial got underway on Monday 20 July 2026 after lengthy delays and a collapsed plea deal. Furthermore, Matlala and his four co-accused face a combined 25 charges linked to three alleged assassination attempts between August 2022 and January 2024. As a result, one of the most anticipated criminal trials in recent South African history is finally before a court.
Cat Matlala Trial: The Five Accused
Five people face trial in the Johannesburg High Court. Musa Kekana is accused number one. Tiego Floyd Mabusela is accused number two. Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is accused number three. His wife Tsakani Matlala is accused number four. Nthabiseng Nzama, the daughter of Mabusela, is accused number five. Furthermore, accused numbers one, two and three remain in custody while Tsakani Matlala and Nzama are on extended bail. As a result, Tsakani Matlala was among the first to arrive at court on Monday morning.
The 25 Charges They Face
The group faces a combined 25 charges. These include 11 counts of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition and money laundering. The 11 attempted murder counts arise from three separate alleged shooting incidents between August 2022 and January 2024. Furthermore, Matlala faces separate fraud and money laundering charges linked to a Tshwane District Health Services tender awarded to his company Medicare24 Tshwane District. The State alleges the group orchestrated the shootings, laundered money linked to the alleged plots and used fraudulent invoices to conceal the source of funds. As a result, the case spans both violent crime and financial crime allegations.
The Three Alleged Victims
The attempted murder charges relate to three alleged hit plots. The first targets actress and media personality Tebogo Thobejane, who is Matlala’s former girlfriend. The second targets taxi boss and businessman Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni. The third targets music producer Seunkie Mokubung, known professionally as DJ Vetteys. Furthermore, the investigation that led to the charges was launched in December 2024 by the Political Killings Task Team and Gauteng Counter-Intelligence Operations. Those units sought to establish links between the accused and the separate attacks. As a result, the case sits at the intersection of organised crime, entertainment industry figures and the taxi industry.
The Collapsed Plea Deal
The trial follows a notable development earlier in 2026. Matlala had been in negotiations with the NPA over a potential plea agreement. However, those negotiations collapsed and Matlala rejoined his co-accused for a full trial. The trial was subsequently declared trial-ready. Furthermore, the State confirmed it was ready to proceed on 20 July 2026 as scheduled. As a result, there will be no shortcuts. The full evidence will be tested before a High Court judge.
The Madlanga Commission Connection
The Cat Matlala trial does not exist in isolation. Matlala’s name has featured extensively at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into alleged criminality and corruption within South African law enforcement. The commission heard allegations that Matlala had connections to senior police officials who allegedly used their positions to assist him and protect him from accountability. Furthermore, suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi was arrested for the third time last week in connection with a separate precious stones case. Mkhwanazi and Matlala have both been named in commission testimony. As a result, Monday’s trial opening is the latest chapter in a sprawling web of alleged organised crime and law enforcement corruption that the Madlanga Commission has been trying to unravel since July 2025.
What Happens Next
The trial has been declared to proceed uninterrupted. The State is expected to present its case in full before the Johannesburg High Court over what is likely to be a lengthy trial. The judge confirmed at an earlier hearing that the trial date would remain firm. Furthermore, the NPA said the State was ready and prepared to proceed. As a result, South Africa now watches as one of its most high-profile organised crime cases finally goes before a court to be decided on the evidence.
For more on the NPA’s work visit npa.gov.za.
Editors Note All five accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. All charges referenced in this article are unproven and will be tested in court. Mzansi Today Live will update this article as further information becomes available.