South African actress Tebogo Thobejane has long been entangled in a high-profile attempted murder investigation stemming from a 2023 shooting on the N1 highway near Sandton. The incident, which left her friend seriously injured and wheelchair-bound, has drawn fresh attention amid escalating accusations. Businessman Serge Cabonge, a close associate of controversial tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, recently broke his silence to deny any role in the attack. Thobejane, known for her roles in shows like Muvhango and her advocacy against gender-based violence, alleges deeper conspiracies involving Matlala and his circle.
The shooting occurred shortly after Thobejane dined with Cabonge at a Sandton restaurant. In her police affidavit, she claims Cabonge shared her real-time location with unknown parties, enabling the ambush. She further links him to Matlala’s alleged past crimes, including the 2021 murder of whistleblower Babita Deokaran and the killing of Matlala’s lawyer over tax disputes. Thobejane suspects Matlala’s wife, Tsakani, and others in the plot, citing her security firm CAT Security’s potential access to hitmen. Cabonge, however, insists he departed the venue an hour before the gunfire, framing the evening as innocuous.
In a pointed rebuttal, Cabonge dismissed Thobejane’s claims as fabrications born of substance abuse. He stated that she is “always high on drugs” and prone to wild accusations against senior politicians and figures in her orbit. This explosive allegation has intensified public scrutiny on Thobejane, who launched the Botlhale Foundation in July 2025 to combat online abuse and GBV—efforts she says stem directly from her trauma. Cabonge’s denial comes as police probe his communications, with investigators viewing him as a person of interest in the case.
Cabonge’s response also revealed ties to suspended Gauteng Deputy Police Commissioner Shandrack Sibiya, admitting to a professional relationship. This connection raises questions about potential conflicts in the investigation, especially given Matlala’s own charges of attempted murder, conspiracy, and money laundering related to Thobejane. Five suspects, including Matlala, Tsakani, and a money launderer linked to hitmen, face court proceedings set for October 2025.
As the case unfolds, it underscores the perils faced by women in the public eye amid South Africa’s entrenched issues of violence and corruption. Thobejane’s resolve to seek justice, despite the personal toll, highlights the need for robust protections against targeted attacks.
