Cape Town – Judgment has been reserved in the bail appeal of businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who faces multiple criminal charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, fraud, and money laundering.
According to IOL, the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg postponed its ruling after hearing arguments from both the State and the defence.
The presiding judge said, “Judgment has been reserved in this matter. I am not going to hand down the judgment today, but promise to do so on Friday, which is my open day for the judgment to be uploaded on the system.”
Matlala, who was denied bail by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court in September, is appealing that decision. As stated by his legal team, the magistrate misclassified the matter as a Schedule 6 case instead of Schedule 5, which they claim unfairly raised the threshold for bail.
His defence lawyer told the court that, “There is no direct evidence linking Mr Matlala to the offences. He voluntarily handed himself over to the police, and there is nothing to suggest he will evade trial”.
The State, however, maintains that Matlala poses a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses. Prosecutor Elize le Roux argued, “Yes, we don’t have the smoking gun against the applicant, but there is strong circumstantial evidence linking him to the crimes,”
[WATCH] Hodes says Matlala had every opportunity to evade the police, but had not done so, proving he is not a flight risk. Matlala is appealing a bail judgment that was handed down by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/Opa1yEXHZA
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) October 20, 2025
The prosecution also told the court that Matlala had access to large sums of money, foreign assets, and a fraudulent Eswatini identity document, and once used a private jet — factors the State believes prove he could easily flee the country if granted bail.
It was further alleged that Matlala continued to communicate with associates while behind bars. The State claimed that during a raid at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre on 6 July, a cellphone was found in his cell. The prosecutor stated that, “He continues to operate his network even while in custody. This demonstrates the risk of releasing him.”
Matlala’s defence dismissed these claims as speculation. They said the State’s case relies on “unverified allegations” and “media assumptions.” According to his lawyer, “My client is a well-known businessman, not a flight risk, and willing to surrender his passport if required.”
[WATCH] State prosecutor says Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala “is clearly not inclined to be honest with the court”. She adds that he has a trust entity registered in Mauritius. pic.twitter.com/oDr9JgXD23
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) October 20, 2025
Matlala has been linked to several questionable government tenders and is believed to have ties to influential political figures. KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi previously told the media, “An analysis of communication revealed contact between Matlala, one of his associates, and senior government officials,” adding that this has raised concerns about political interference in criminal investigations.
The High Court is expected to deliver its judgment on Friday, 24 October. If bail is granted, Matlala will likely face strict conditions, including house arrest and the surrender of his travel documents. If denied, he will remain behind bars as the State continues its investigation.
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Compiled by lisabeal Nqamqhele
