Cape Town – Actress and media personality Tebogo Thobejane returned to the Johannesburg High Court on Monday, 20 July 2026, to observe proceedings, as the man she has accused of orchestrating an attempt on her life formally entered his plea.
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, his wife Tsakane Matlala, and co-accused Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela and Nthabiseng Nzama all pleaded not guilty to a combined 25 charges.
The charges include multiple counts of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, money laundering, fraud, defeating the ends of justice and the unlawful possession of prohibited firearms.
The case relates to three alleged drive-by shootings between August 2022 and January 2024. The State alleges the attacks, which were financed by Matlala, targeted taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, music producer Seunkie Mokubung, also known as DJ Vettys, and Thobejane, who survived a shooting in October 2023.
Reflecting on the attempt on her life in an Instagram Story posted on 20 July, Thobejane expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal.
“I will never forget this day, it changed my life forever. Today I stand with nothing but gratitude, to God, my ancestors and everyone who prayed for me, thank you. People can say whatever they want, but they’ll never know what it feels like to walk in my shoes. I survived what many thought I never would. My story didn’t end that day,” she wrote.
Speaking to journalists outside court, Thobejane said she was feeling positive despite the emotional nature of the proceedings.
WATCH | Tebogo Thobejane says she’s pleased that justice is finally taking its course. Thobejane, one of the victims in the Matlala trial, appeared outside court as proceedings were adjourned until tomorrow, when the state is expected to begin presenting its case against Matlala… pic.twitter.com/nVNIH2i1G2
— Times LIVE (@TimesLIVE) July 20, 2026
“It’s a bit shocking because obviously it’s kind of unexpected, but I mean, it is what it is. Just take its course, you know. The prosecutor and the police have done an amazing job, and we just have to see the evidence that they have, and then after that, we just have to take it as it goes,” she said.
When asked whether she was prepared to testify, Thobejane replied: “I didn’t say I will take the stand, I’m a victim.”
Footage of Thobejane’s arrival at court, shared on X by an Eyewitness News reporter, attracted thousands of views. Much of the online discussion centred on her outfit rather than the court proceedings, with social media users divided over whether her attire was a bold fashion statement or inappropriate for a courtroom setting.
Media personalityTebogo Thobejane makes an appearance in court today, she is Matlala’s ex and one of the accused victims @makileshoro pic.twitter.com/0grxVKQoGA
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) July 20, 2026
South African courts do not have a single codified dress code for members of the public attending proceedings.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
