By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The case against the underworld kingpin Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala and his co-accused has been postponed to Wednesday, to allow both State and defence to address outstanding disclosure issues.
Matlala and his co-accused appeared in the Johannesburg High Court on Monday.
They face 25 charges including 11 counts of attempted murder, conspiracy, fraud and money laundering. These are linked to three shooting incidents between August 2022 and January 2024.
He also faces charges relating to a failed assassination attempt on his former girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, as well as the shootings of taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni and music producer Seunkie “DJ Vetteys” Mokubong.
During proceedings, the court heard that one of the accused had ended the mandate of his previous lawyer and that a new attorney would take over the matter.
The court ordered that he be provided with all additional case materials, including further memory sticks containing disclosures from the State, to ensure continuity in preparation for trial.
Judge William Karam raised concern over last-minute changes to the accused’s legal representation, noting that the matter had already been set down for trial on 20 July 2026.
Karam emphasised the need for the trial to proceed without further disruption.
“Everybody, including the court, has been at pains to get a trial date and to ensure that the matter starts on 20 July 2026 and runs uninterruptedly.”
The State told the court that most outstanding documentation had been shared with the defence, with only a few matters still under discussion.
Matlala’s lawyer, Anneline van den Heever, said the defence and the State will work to resolve any outstanding issues ahead of the trial.
Addressing the custody and welfare status of the accused, Karam ordered:
“In respect of accused number two, the J7 is to be endorsed to the effect that accused number two is as soon as possible to receive the necessary medical attention pertaining to his eyes. Accused one, two, and three are to remain in custody. Accused number four, you are on bail. Your bail is extended until that date and you are warned to appear.”
Karam granted the postponement to allow both the defence and prosecution to complete pre-trial preparations and address outstanding disclosure issues.
The case will return to the Johannesburg High Court on Wednesday, 17 June 2026. The full trial is expected to begin on 20 July 2026 as agreed by all parties involved.