Well-known television actress and influencer Tebogo Thobejane has revealed she is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and feels emotionally shattered following an alleged attempt on her life.
In a public statement released on Tuesday, Thobejane expressed her belief that “the law will take its course” after Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, the alleged mastermind behind the attack, appeared in court.
“I kindly ask for privacy and understanding as my family and I continue to heal from a deeply traumatic experience,” Thobejane said. “We are still carrying the weight of what happened, living with the emotional impact and ongoing effects of PTSD.”
She added that while the journey has been difficult, she trusts the legal process. For those seeking details, she directed them to an official statement from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regarding the charges against the accused.
Coping with Trauma
Thobejane shared that one of the most painful aspects of the ordeal has been facing the people who were with her during the attack, including a friend who was seriously injured.
“I have had to find the strength to express my sorrow to their families and to live with the pain that they were hurt because of a situation tied to me,” she said. “It’s something that stays with me every day.”
Despite the pain, she expressed gratitude toward the affected families for their compassion and lack of blame. “I will continue to pray for them and support their healing too,” she said.
Thobejane admitted that moving forward has been a struggle. “Life expects you to keep going even when you’re broken inside,” she said. “I am doing my best, one day at a time, to find peace and rebuild.” She also thanked supporters for standing by her during this difficult period.
Court Proceedings
Businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on charges of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. This was his second court appearance after being arrested in Midrand last week.
Matlala is the third accused in the case, alongside Musa Kekana (35) and Tiego Floyd Mabusela (47), who face similar charges. The case was postponed to May 30 for a formal bail application, and Matlala remains in custody.
Alleged Hit Plot
Reports indicate that Matlala, who has previously been linked to the murder of corruption whistleblower Babita Deokaran, is suspected of orchestrating the attack on Thobejane.
Police seized his cellphone during raids at his properties in Pretoria and Johannesburg. Investigators allegedly found WhatsApp messages between Matlala and the two arrested hitmen, including instructions to “shoot her in the face so that her family does not recognise her.”
The Attack
In October 2023, Thobejane and a friend were ambushed on the N1 highway near Sandton. A hail of bullets struck their car, leaving Thobejane with a gunshot wound to the foot. Her friend, however, was shot in the spinal cord and remains hospitalized, facing potential permanent paralysis.
While Thobejane has since recovered physically, the emotional scars persist as she continues to seek justice and healing.