NPA welcomes Cat Matlala's failed bail appeal bid

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the decision made by the Gauteng High Court e in Johannesburg, which on Monday, ruled against the bail appeal brought by alleged drug kingpin, Vusimuzi Cat Matlala on Monday.

The dismissal comes after Matlala was denied bail by the Alexandra Magistrates' Court last month.

Speaking on behalf nof the NPA, Phindi Mjonondwane the NPA views this ruling in positive light. "The NPA is of the view that the court made the right decision in denying Matlala bail, considering the severity of the charges and the risk to public safety and law enforcement officers, including the investigating officer and the prosecutors involved in the matter, "she said.

Matlala is charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering. Reflecting on his decision, Judge Pieter Du Plessis said the court has taken into consideration, Matlala’s public profile in arriving to its decision.

"This court acknowledges the high public profile of the intense applicant and the intense media scrutiny surrounding this matter, especially in the context of broader allagstions against the appellant and the criminal justice system. However, in fulfilling its solemn judicial oath. This judgement is delivered sorelely on dispassionate and objective analysis of the facts as presented, the relevant case law and in the legal principles governing bail as set out in the Criminal Procedure Act, " he said.

Furthermore it is reported that Matlala who stands accused of orchestrating the allaged hit on his former girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane is facing charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering.

Last week, the 49-year-old was implicated by Crime Intelligence boss Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo at the Madlanga Commission as a member of the so-called “Big Five” cartel.

Matlala was denied bail in September at the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court after Magistrate Syta Prinsloo ruled that he had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances justifying his release and found that he posed a flight risk.

The State previously opposed bail, alleging that the murder accused proximity to lower and his access to a private jet, foreign assets in Mauritius, and possession of a fraudulent Eswatini identity document as being central to the ruling.

However, last week, Matlala’s legal representative, Advocate Laurance Hodes, SC, indicated that the state has misled the court by claiming the accused owned a private jet and a boat in Mauritius, with Hodes saying there was no evidence of the allaged assets.

During his testimony at the Madlanga Commission over two weeks ago, Khumalo alleged that Matlala is part of the “Big Five” cartel, which is reported to have infiltrated political sphere economic and personal gain.

Matlala faces charges of Attempted Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Fraud and Attempting to Defeat the Ends of Justice.

The charges against the feared business man who is also linked to the kidnapping of fellow businessman Jerry Boshoga emanate from alleged events that occurred in Johannesburg between 12 and 17 October 2023, during which the Matlala allegedly conspired to kill his former girlfriend and actor, Tebogo Thobejane.

It was further alleged that the accused laundered over R120 000 linked to the murder plot and submitted a fraudulent invoice in an attempt to conceal the origin of the funds.

Mjonondwane said it was important to note that Matlala is a flight risk who cannot be trusted with remaining in the country while having a fraudulently obtained Eswatini passport.

"The court dismissed the appeal because it found that Matlala poses a flight risk, represents a danger to witnesses and the community and the State's cse against him is substantial. Consequently, releasing him would be contrary to the interest of justice," she added.