Ethel Malatji 
By: Ethel Malatji
Alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala will remain behind bars after the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court denied him bail on today.
Matlala is facing charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, money laundering and contravening the Firearms Control Act. The charges stem from a 2023 shooting incident in which his former girlfriend, actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane, was wounded when gunmen opened fire on her vehicle. A friend who was travelling with her sustained more serious injuries.
Magistrate Syta Prinsloo ruled that Matlala failed to prove exceptional circumstances that would justify his release. The court found that he posed a flight risk, that his release could endanger witnesses, and that there was a risk he might interfere with the ongoing investigation.
The ruling followed weeks of arguments in which the state highlighted Matlala’s alleged access to foreign assets, cross-border movements, and other conduct it said undermined his bail bid. His defence team denied several of the allegations, insisting that he had ties to South Africa and should be granted bail.
Prinsloo, however, agreed with the prosecution, stating that the seriousness of the offences and the potential threat to justice outweighed his personal circumstances.
Matlala’s case has drawn widespread attention, not only for his alleged links to organised crime but also because of his high-profile connections.
The matter has been postponed to 7 October 2025, when pre-trial proceedings are expected to continue. Until then, Matlala will remain in custody.
