Vusimuzi Cat Matlala trial begins five plead not guilty

The trial of businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala and four co-accused on charges of orchestrating three attempted assassinations began on Monday, July 20, 2026, in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg. All five defendants pleaded not guilty to a 25-count indictment that includes conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, money laundering, fraud, and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition.

The state alleges that between August 2022 and January 2024, Matlala financed and directed plots targeting three separate groups. The first incident allegedly involved taxi businessman Madoda "Joe Ferrari" Sibanyoni and four others in Centurion on August 10, 2022. The second targeted Matlala's former partner, actress Tebogo Thobejane, and two others in Bryanston on October 17, 2023. The third allegedly involved music producer Seunkie "DJ Vetty" Mokubong and two others in Pretoria West on January 29, 2024. Thobejane and Sibanyoni were present in the public gallery as the trial commenced.

Prosecutors argue the case hinges on a financial trail linking payments from Matlala's business accounts to the alleged gunmen. For the Thobejane shooting, the state alleges Matlala...