Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has stepped back from his bail application in a Pretoria fraud case, with his legal team prioritising a separate matter in the South Gauteng High Court. The case has been postponed to October 29 for further investigations.

Thembelihle Mabanga

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Alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has abandoned his bid for release on bail in a case involving allegations of fraud linked to a luxury property lease in Waterkloof, Pretoria.

Matlala appeared before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday, where his legal team indicated that it wanted to deal with a separate case before the South Gauteng High Court first.

The charges against Matlala relate to allegations that he used a fraudulent identity document and falsified bank statements to secure a property lease reportedly worth R95,000 a month.

His bail application had been expected to run over two days. However, the decision to abandon the application means his release on bail will not be determined in the current proceedings.

His lawyers may return to court to pursue bail at a later stage.

The matter has been postponed to October 29 to allow for further investigations.

Matlala’s wife, Tsakane, and two other co-accused in the case have already been granted bail of R20,000 each.