By Phindi Mjonondwane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
The Alexandra Magistrates’ Court has dismissed the bail application of Vusimuzi Matlala, ruling that he is a flight risk with the financial means to evade trial.
The court further held that there is a likelihood he may interfere with state witnesses and that he failed to prove exceptional circumstances to justify his release.
Matlala faces charges of Attempted Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Fraud, and Money Laundering.
These charges stem from events in Johannesburg between 12 and 17 October 2023, where he allegedly conspired to kill his ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane.
It is further alleged that he laundered more than R120 000 linked to the murder plot.
During the proceedings, Matlala unsuccessfully claimed that the police had fabricated evidence to implicate him. The court found his version unsubstantiated.
The prosecution presented an affidavit from the Investigating Officer, showing that Matlala holds an unlawfully obtained Eswatini identity document, enabling him to cross borders undetected.
To support the money laundering allegations, the State also produced receipts from a funeral parlour, allegedly used by Matlala to disguise the flow of funds between himself and his co-accused, Musa Kekana and Tiego Floyd Mabusela.
The State requested a postponement to 07 October 2025 to allow for the centralisation of two additional dockets received from Pretoria, implicating Kekana, Mabusela, Matlala, his wife Tsakani Matlala, and Mabusela’s daughter, Nthabiseng Nzama, and to facilitate the transfer of the case to the High Court of South Africa, Johannesburg.
The NPA welcomes this ruling, which affirms the rule of law.
We remain committed to working with our partners in the criminal justice system to dismantle organised crime and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
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