- NPA confirms Tebogo Thobejane contacted Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala after the shooting.
- She allegedly asked him if he was behind the attack, not for protection.
- State argues WhatsApp chats and bank payments link Matlala to the alleged hit.
- Magistrate to deliver bail judgment on 17 September.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has clarified why television actress Tebogo Thobejane contacted controversial Gauteng businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala after she survived a shooting in October 2023.
According to the NPA, Thobejane reached out to Matlala to ask him directly if he was responsible for the attack, not for protection as Matlala previously claimed.
This revelation came during Matlala’s formal bail application at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where the state once again opposed his release.
Matlala’s Version vs. State’s Case
In his affidavit, Matlala had claimed that Thobejane contacted him multiple times between October 2023 and June 2024, seeking his help and protection because of his private security business.
He further explained that although he dated Thobejane for 13 months from early 2020, he ended their relationship in September 2021 without any animosity.
But the prosecutor disputed this, saying:
“It is true that Ms Thobejane contacted the accused, but only to ask him if he was behind the shooting incident.”
Bail Arguments: Weak Evidence or Strong Circumstantial Case?
Matlala’s lawyer, advocate Laurance Hodes SC, argued that the state’s case is weak. He highlighted the absence of DNA evidence, fingerprints, or ballistic links tying Matlala to the hit.
Hodes suggested that if bail were granted, Matlala could be placed under house arrest as a precaution.
The state prosecutor countered that while there is no “smoking gun,” there is a “strong circumstantial case” against him. She pointed to WhatsApp conversations and suspicious bank payments allegedly showing Matlala as the mastermind behind the attack.
Bail Decision Postponed
Magistrate Dyta Prinsloo postponed the ruling on Matlala’s bail application to 17 September. Matlala remains in custody after being arrested on 14 May.
Criminal Record and Personal Circumstances
Matlala acknowledged a 2001 conviction for housebreaking and theft, for which he served four years. He insists he has no other convictions or pending cases.
However, the state noted that he has been arrested 11 times in the past on charges ranging from attempted murder to unlawful possession of firearms.
The 49-year-old told the court he is self-employed as the director of four companies, CAT VIP Protection, Lux of Africa Investments (Pty) Ltd, Black AK Trading, and Medi Care 24 Tshwane District (Pty) Ltd.