Businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has claimed in his bail application that his ex-girlfriend, actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane, sought his help and protection even after a 2023 shooting incident in which she was the target.
Matlala, who owns CAT Protection Services company, alleged that Thobejane contacted him from October 2023 until around June 2024 for assistance.
Matlala, 49, appeared in the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for a formal bail hearing. The state is opposing bail.
He stands accused of orchestrating a hit on Thobejane in 2023 and faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering.
He is charged alongside four co-accused: his wife, Tsakani Matlala ( accused four), Musa Kekana (accused one), and Tiegi Floyd Mabusela, (accused 2).
Mabusela’s daughter, 23-year-old Nthabiseng Nzama, is a state witness.
The case stems from a shooting on the N1 highway near Sandton in 2023, during which Thobejane – known for her role in ‘Muvhango’– was shot in the foot.
A female passenger in her vehicle sustained a serious spinal injury.
Matlala appeared in shackles under heavy police guard
Through his legal counsel, Advocate Laurence Hodes SC, Matlala denied all charges, calling them “baseless” and “lacking in substance.”
“I intend to plead not guilty to all these charges should this matter ever proceed to trial against me. I am certain that I will be found not guilty at the close of the State’s case, as there is no evidence upon which a court acting reasonably could convict me,” Matlala stated in his affidavit.
He also denied any involvement in the attempted murder.
“I challenge the State to demonstrate by way of evidence that I was either directly or indirectly involved in the commission of these heinous crimes. I can state as a matter of fact that I was not involved.”