High Court Denies Bail Appeal for Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, Citing Flight Risk

The Johannesburg High Court has dismissed the bail appeal of controversial businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, ruling that he will remain in custody. The court upheld a previous decision from the Alexandra Magistrates' Court, agreeing that the alleged crime kingpin is a significant flight risk and his release would not be in the interests of justice.

Matlala is facing charges of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder for allegedly orchestrating the failed assassination of his ex-girlfriend, socialite Tebogo Thobejane, in October 2023. He also faces charges of money laundering.

In his judgment, Acting Judge Pieter du Plessis stated that he could not differ from the lower court's finding that Matlala has "both the means and the potential opportunity to evade trial." The State had previously argued that Matlala has access to foreign financial interests, including a trust in Mauritius, and was found to be in possession of a fraudulent Eswatini identity document.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the decision. Matlala has also been implicated in wider criminal activities, including links to the R2-billion Tembisa Hospital looting scandal. He will now remain in custody pending his trial.