Businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, who faces attempted murder charges, has appointed a new legal representative — a prominent defence attorney who previously represented alleged Gupta associate Iqbal Sharma in the R24.9 million Nulane Investment corruption case.
Matlala’s change in legal strategy comes as his high-profile case gains increasing public attention due to his alleged links to a drug cartel and revelations emerging from the ongoing Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into corruption within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
According to court sources, Matlala’s new lawyer — whose name is known to the publication but withheld pending official court confirmation — is an experienced advocate in financial and organised crime matters, having represented several politically connected figures in past corruption-related trials.
Matlala appeared briefly in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court this week, where the new counsel formally placed himself on record. The case was postponed to allow the defence additional time to review the docket and prepare a new strategy.
The businessman faces attempted murder charges stemming from a 2023 incident in which a rival associate was allegedly targeted in a shooting outside a Pretoria nightclub. He is also being probed for alleged involvement in illicit business dealings and connections to senior municipal officials, including those in Ekurhuleni.
The development comes shortly after suspended EMPD chief Isaac Mapiyeye testified before the Madlanga Commission, claiming that Matlala’s company, CAT VIP Protection, provided security during the City of Ekurhuleni’s 2022 State of the City Address — without official approval. The testimony raised questions about Matlala’s influence and network within government security circles.
Legal experts suggest that Matlala’s recruitment of a high-powered defence lawyer signals his intent to mount a robust legal fight against the charges and any potential new investigations that could arise from the commission’s findings.
Prosecutors, however, have indicated that the attempted murder case remains strong, citing forensic evidence and witness statements linking Matlala to the alleged attack.
Matlala remains out on R50,000 bail under strict conditions, including the surrender of his passport and regular reporting to police.
The case is expected to return to court in early 2026, where his new legal team will likely challenge the admissibility of certain evidence — a move that could shape the trajectory of one of Gauteng’s most closely watched criminal proceedings.
