All eyes on Cat Matlala as high-stakes trial gets underway

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala

Johannesburg – Alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and several co-accused are set to stand trial in the Gauteng South High Court on Monday, 20 July, in connection with three high-profile attempted murder cases involving a businessman, a media personality and a musician.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane had commended members of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and Gauteng Counter Intelligence Operations (GCI-OPS) for their investigation, which linked the accused to the three separate attacks.

The accused face charges relating to the attempted murders of businessman Joe Sibanyoni and five others, media personality Tebogo Thobejane and three others, as well as musician DJ Vettys and two others.

According to SAPS, investigations into the cases began in December 2024 and involved months of intelligence-driven operations, forensic analysis and evidence gathering.

Dimpane praised investigators for what she described as their determination to ensure the matter reached trial.

“The commencement of this trial is the result of months of meticulous investigations, intelligence-driven operations and evidence gathering by members who refused to give up until those responsible were brought before the courts,” she said.

Police said detectives and intelligence operatives were able to establish links between the accused across all three attempted murder cases through extensive investigative work.

SAPS said the State would rely on what it described as compelling evidence gathered during the investigation.

“Our investigators have collected overwhelming evidence that exposes the role played by each accused. This evidence will be presented before court and we are confident that the truth will emerge during the trial,” Dimpane said.

Forensic and ballistic

Investigators have also recovered two firearms allegedly linked to the attempted murders of Sibanyoni and DJ Vettys. Police said forensic and ballistic evidence would form part of the State’s case.

Dimpane said the trial should serve as a warning to those involved in organised violent crime and contract killings.

“This is a clear message to anyone who plans and executes contract killings: SAPS will pursue you relentlessly. We will use every available resource, every investigative tool and every intelligence capability at our disposal to ensure that criminal syndicates are dismantled and that those responsible are removed from society for a very long time,” she said.

She added that the victims and their families deserved justice and reaffirmed SAPS’ commitment to ensuring accountability.

The Acting National Commissioner also expressed confidence in the work of the Political Killings Task Team, Gauteng Counter Intelligence Operations and all investigators involved in the case, saying she hoped the trial would result in lengthy prison sentences for those found guilty.

The trial is expected to commence in the Gauteng South High Court on Monday.

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