By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Pretoria Magistrate Court granted Tsakane Matlala, Given Makofane and Claudette Masethe, 20 000 bail each on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.
Tsakane appeared alongside her husband, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, Makofane and Masethe.
They face fraud and corruption charges and are expected back in court on 29 October.
The three were arrested on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, by the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team in connection with a fraudulent lease agreement.
They are accused of falsifying bank statements to help Matlala secure a controversial R1.2-million lease agreement for a property in Waterkloof. Matlala had secured the lease for the property for himself and his wife, by posing as a Swati prince.
During proceedings, the State proposed that the matter involving the three accused who were granted bail be postponed until 17 November to allow for further investigation and disclosure.
The defence, however, argued that it would not be able to meet the proposed deadline, citing the ongoing trial involving the Matlala’s.
The parties ultimately agreed to an earlier date of 29 October, when the matter was postponed for further proceedings.
Magistrate Sam Mbele released the three, subject to strict conditions, including reporting to a police station and surrendering their travel documents.
“Justice permits the release of accused 2,3,4 on bail, your bail will be set at R20,000 each. On the following conditions, you will not contact state witnesses as alleged in the charge sheet. You will report at a police station every week until the case is finalized, ruled Mbele.”
Matlala, however, remains in custody and is expected to return to court in October for his bail proceedings. He stands on trial for multiple cases.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said Matlala did not bring a bail application on Wednesday because he remains in custody in connection with another matter.
“In court, the State did not oppose the release on bail of the three accused. However, the State intends to oppose Vusumuzi Matlala’s bail application, which will be heard on 14 and 15 October 2026,” Mahanjana said.