Retired colonel takes stand in Matlala trial-within-a-trial

Retired Colonel Owen King has taken the stand in the trial-within-a-trial involving alleged hitman-for-hire Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his co-accused.

King, who served as the Bramley Police Station commander for nine years, is giving evidence about his visit to Edenvale Hospital and his interactions with police officers and medical staff while addressing alleged safety concerns at the facility.

His testimony forms part of the proceedings examining disputed evidence in the case against Matlala and his co-accused.

Matlala, Tsakane Matlala, Musa Kekana, Tiego Mabusela and Nthabiseng Nzama face 25 charges, including attempted murder and conspiracy. The charges relate to alleged botched attacks on Joe Sibanyoni, Tebogo Thobejane and Seunkie Mokubung.

All five accused have pleaded not guilty.

The main trial remains on hold while the court considers whether evidence obtained during Kekana’s arrest in April 2024 can be admitted.

Kekana’s defence is challenging the lawfulness of his arrest, arguing that evidence linked to the arrest should not be allowed.

Last week, proceedings were postponed after a witness who was expected to testify was unavailable.

King, who was the Bramley police station commander at the time of Kekana’s arrest, is now giving evidence as the State continues presenting its case in the trial-within-a-trial.