The Johannesburg High Court has dismissed the bail appeal of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who faces multiple charges including conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and money laundering.
Delivering judgment on 27 October 2025, Acting Judge PJ du Plessis ruled that despite the Regional Magistrate applying the wrong schedule during the initial bail hearing, the correct legal standard (“interests of justice”) still did not favour Matlala’s release.
The court found that:
• Matlala remains a flight risk with both the means and opportunity to evade trial.
• There is a likelihood of interference with witnesses and the administration of justice.
• His continued detention is in the interests of justice, given the seriousness of the charges and the risk posed to the community.
The judgment also noted the State’s concession that it had erred regarding the timing of a key R100,000 payment, but ruled that this alone did not outweigh the other risks.
Matlala—dubbed “CAT”—is accused alongside four co-accused in three separate attempted murder cases involving socialite Tebogo Thobejane, businessman Sibanyoni, and DJ Mokubong (“DJ Wetties”).
His appeal was formally dismissed, meaning he will remain in custody pending trial.