New details have emerged in the case against businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his co-accused, with prosecutors alleging suspicious financial transactions connected to the attempted murder of socialite Tebogo Thobejane.
State prosecutor Elize le Roux revealed to the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court that Matlala transferred R100,000 into the account of Tiego Floyd Mabusela’s daughter just over an hour before Mabusela’s mother died on October 18, 2023. This payment, along with several others totaling R200,000, allegedly occurred around the time of the shooting incident targeting Thobejane on October 17.
According to the prosecution, the timing of these transactions suggests they may be connected to the alleged hit rather than funeral expenses as claimed by the defense. Le Roux noted that the first payment of R20,000 was made six days before the mother’s death, with additional substantial deposits occurring on the day of her passing.
Matlala has denied any connection between the payments and the alleged murder plot, stating the money was intended to help with medical and funeral expenses for Mabusela’s mother, whom he described as instrumental in his upbringing.
The case has revealed broader connections to other high-profile crimes. Mabusela and co-accused Musa Kekana also face charges for the November 2022 murders of DJ Sumbody and his two bodyguards. National police indicate that weapons seized in these investigations have been linked to at least 10 killings in Gauteng between March 2022 and April 2024.
All accused face charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering. The bail hearing has been postponed to September 8 as investigations continue into what prosecutors describe as a pattern of organized violence connected to the defendants.
