By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg has postponed proceedings in the underworld kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and co-accused case to June 30, 2026.
The accused – Matlala, his wife Tsakani Matlala, Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, and Mabusela’s daughter Nthabiseng Nzama – appeared in court on Wednesday, 17 June 2026.
They face 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder. The charges are related to multiple botched shootings involving targets like socialite Tebogo Thobejane, businessman Joe Sibanyoni and DJ Vettys.
The court declared the attempted murder case trial-ready, while expressing frustration over the lengthy delays that have held up proceedings thus far.
Kekana and Mabusela, two co-accused and alleged hitmen, have requested further time. Kekana so that his new lawyer could be available and Mabusela so that he could get medical attention.
Kekana’s newly appointed attorney, Joe Strauss, was not present at the pre-trial hearing, therefore halting proceedings.
Mabusela told the court that he was having problems with his eyes and was unable to see in the first 15 minutes of waking. Officials at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Services told his attorney that eye care medical services were offered only once a year.
Strauss informed the court that funding for Kekana’s defence has not yet been fully secured and that his preferred advocate, Nardus Grové, may be unavailable during the opening days of the trial due to commitments in another matter.
The court heard that Kekana’s family has undertaken to secure the necessary funds by the end of June.
Judge William Karam has ordered the lawyer for accused number one, Kekana, to resolve scheduling conflicts that could affect part of the trial period, as the court moves to ensure the matter proceeds without further delays.
Lawyers representing the other accused strongly opposed any suggestion that the trial be delayed.
Matlala’s attorney, Hlawu Maluleke, argued that all parties have had sufficient time to prepare and that postponing the matter would prejudice the remaining accused and undermine efforts to bring the matter to trial.
Karam has since been postponed the matter to 30 June for an update on funding arrangements and legal representation. The trial is scheduled to start on 20 July 2026.