Businessman, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his wife, Tsakani Matlala, are in police custody following allegations of orchestrating an attempted hit on Matlala’s ex-girlfriend, socialite and television personality Tebogo Thobejane.
The developments came to light during a bail hearing at Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Friday. Authorities confirmed that Tsakani was arrested on Thursday night, and both she and her husband will remain in detention until their next court appearance scheduled for Tuesday, June 3.
The case is linked to a violent incident in October 2023 when gunmen opened fire on Thobejane’s vehicle in the affluent suburb of Sandton. While Thobejane escaped without injury, her companion was seriously wounded and required extended hospitalisation.
The Matlalas appeared in court alongside two co-accused — Musa Kekana (35) and Tiego Floyd Mabusela (43). Legal counsel for the accused successfully applied for a media photography ban during proceedings.
Defence lawyer Victor Nkwashu informed the court of Vusi Matlala’s willingness to surrender his travel documents as part of potential bail conditions. Meanwhile, legal representatives for Kekana and Mabusela requested that their clients be transferred to Johannesburg Correctional Facility, citing difficulties with their current detention conditions.
Prosecutors have indicated that the suspected hitmen will appear separately in court on July 11. Their trial is expected to proceed at the Johannesburg High Court. Legal analysts anticipate the case will be lengthy due to the number of individuals involved and the complexity of the charges.
