By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The trial of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his co-accused, Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela and Tsakani Matlala is set to commence on 20 July 2026 in the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Johannesburg.
Matlala appeared in the Johannesburg High Court alongside his co-accused on Thursday, 07 May 2026.
He is facing a string of serious charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, possession of illegal firearms, and money laundering.
The court has now postponed the matter to mid-June to allow the defence to bring an application compelling the State to hand over outstanding documents.
Despite this, the court made it clear that the trial will proceed as scheduled.
In court, the presiding judge confirmed that “the indictment is amended, the new and amended indictment has been handed up and is placed in the court file. The trial date remains at 20 July 2026 and is to proceed uninterrupted. This matter is postponed to 15 June 2026 and possibly 17 June 2026 for the hearing and application by the Defence in respect of documentation to be provided to it by the State.”
The court further ruled that Matlala and two of his co-accused will remain in custody, while others remain out on bail under extended conditions.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said Matlala’s legal team had indicated its intention to bring an application to compel the State to furnish outstanding particulars previously requested.
Also accused number five indicated an intention to submit representations to the Office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions following the refusal of earlier representations by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mohlatlole said the State was ready to proceed with the trial on the scheduled date.
Matlala case remains one of the most significant criminal trials currently underway in South Africa, with its outcome potentially sending a strong message about accountability at the highest levels.