Notorious underworld kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala will finally stand trial for the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, television actress Tebogo Thobejane, following a shooting incident that took place on 17 October 2023 in Bryanston, Johannesburg.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it is ready to proceed with the trial of Matlala and his co-accused, which is set to begin in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg on 20 July 2026.
The case stems from a drive-by shooting in Bryanston in which Thobejane was attacked while travelling with friends after leaving a restaurant at Morningside Mall.
According to Thobejane’s sworn witness statement, she was in a vehicle on Bryanston Drive when she heard three gunshots coming from the right-hand side of the car. She said her friend was struck during the attack.
Thobejane has alleged that the shooting was not an isolated incident, but part of a wider pattern of intimidation linked to Matlala and individuals within his circle.
In her affidavit, she further implicated Matlala in discussions she claims he had previously held about orchestrating violent acts, including references to hitmen and past killings.
She also linked him to the killing of Babita Deokaran, a whistleblower who exposed corruption at Tembisa Hospital, as well as the death of his former lawyer friend, who had reportedly reported him to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) over tax-related issues. No one has been charged in connection with those allegations.
Thobejane further alleged that Matlala’s wife, Tsakani Matlala, played a role in the events leading up to the attack on her life, claiming that jealousy and personal disputes escalated tensions between the parties. These claims have not been tested in court.
She also stated that she fled South Africa after the shooting, travelling to Dubai, Ghana and Nigeria, citing fears for her safety.
The accused in the matter include Matlala, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, Tsakani Matlala and Zandile Nzama, who collectively face 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder arising from three separate shooting incidents allegedly committed between August 2022 and January 2024.
The State alleges that the accused orchestrated the shootings and laundered proceeds linked to an alleged criminal enterprise. Prosecutors further allege that fraudulent invoices were used to conceal the origin of funds and mislead the court.
The court has also directed the Office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) to consider representations submitted by Nzama by 11 July 2026. Those representations were previously rejected by the Director of Public Prosecutions in Johannesburg.
NPA South Gauteng Spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the prosecuting authority is ready to proceed with the trial.
“The NPA is confident that the evidence to be led during the trial will assist the court in reaching a just outcome,” he said.
