Businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala claims ex-girlfriend Tebogo Thobejane sought his protection after alleged hit

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.”

Matlala acknowledged knowing one of the victims listed in the indictment, referring to her as a former partner.

“I was advised not to make mention of her name in this affidavit to protect her identity for her safety. She and I dated for approximately 13 months beginning in early 2020. I ended the relationship in September 2021. There was no acrimony. We have remained cordial.”

Matlala said he only learned of the shooting through social and mainstream media, claiming he was unaware of the incident when it occurred.

“This particular victim contacted me several times after the shooting, asking for my help and protection, as I am in the security industry,” he said. 

“She reached out from October 2023 until around June 2024.”

He added that he declined to assist her due to the ongoing police investigation and did not want to interfere, stating she had named several individuals she suspected of orchestrating the shooting. 

He included newspaper articles and social media messages as annexures in his affidavit.

“I invite the State to confirm this with the victim and advise her to refrain from contacting me, directly or indirectly, since I am now charged in this case. Lest it be said later that I interfered with her during this matter,” he added.

On the charge of conspiracy to commit murder, Matlala denied colluding with anyone, including his co-accused.

“I never met with or conspired with anyone to plan or orchestrate the shooting or killing of the victims listed in the charge sheet - or anyone else, for that matter.”

The State argued against bail, describing Matlala as “a dangerous criminal with no regard for human life.”

“Apart from arranging the attempted killing of Ms Thobejane in cold blood, he endangered the lives of the occupants of her vehicle. The female passenger who was also wounded, has been left paralysed. Her life has been destroyed,” the prosecutor said.

The State added that the case fell within the ambit of gender-based violence, as the primary victim is Matlala’s former partner.

Citing flight risk concerns, the State said that Matlala owns a private jet and has travelled abroad at least seven times between 2012 and 2024. 

However, records from the Department of Home Affairs indicate that he has not officially re-entered the country, despite being arrested in South Africa in May 2025.

“This raises the inference that the applicant may have entered the country through informal or undocumented means,” the State argued.

Prosecutors further accused Matlala of witness tampering.

“He knows the witnesses in this case and is in contact with the daughter of number two, who is also a state witness. The last communication with her was on 2 May 2025.”

The State also revealed that Matlala has a prior conviction for housebreaking with intent to steal and theft dating back to 2001. 

In addition, he has been arrested at least 11 times on various charges, including attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

The State requested a postponement in order to respond to new allegations raised in Matlala’s affidavit. 

Magistrate Dyta Prinsloo granted the request and postponed the bail application to September 8, 2025.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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