Defence challenges key witness in Matlala trial as cross-examination continues
The High Court in Johannesburg has entered a critical stage in the trial of alleged criminal kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, with the defence intensifying its cross-examination of a key state witness.
Matlala and four co-accused, Tsakani Matlala, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, Musa Kekana, and Nthabiseng Nzima, are facing charges linked to the alleged orchestration of failed assassination attempts targeting taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni, his former girlfriend Tebogo Thobejane, and music producer Seunkie Mokubung, popularly known as DJ Vettys.
On Thursday, state witness Bethwell Cele returned to the stand for a fourth day, as defence advocate Annelene van den Heever, representing accused three and four, continued her cross-examination that began earlier this week.
The questioning focused on both procedural matters and the substance of Cele's testimony, including evidence the defence had attempted to introduce. Van den Heever argued that the defence is not obligated to disclose certain materials to the state in advance.
The court weighed in on the issue, stressing the importance of maintaining order and fairness in proceedings, and emphasising that each legal representative is responsible for presenting their own case without interference.
Van den Heever then turned her attention to Cele's account of the shooting incident at the centre of the trial. She questioned his experience with firearms, establishing that he is licensed and trained, and probed how he responded during the incident.
Cele told the court that he assessed the situation before acting, but acknowledged that he would defend himself if necessary.
The defence also scrutinised Cele's claims regarding an injured shooter, pointing to apparent inconsistencies between his police statement and his testimony in court.
While Cele maintained that he saw an injured individual, he later conceded that some of his knowledge came from discussions with others at the scene, including police officers.
It also emerged during proceedings that Cele had been shown video footage of the incident by a police officer, raising concerns from the defence about whether this may have influenced his recollection of events.
Further discrepancies were raised regarding the crime scene, including conflicting accounts about the presence of certain vehicles and the absence of 9-millimetre cartridges during forensic analysis.
Cele rejected suggestions that his version was inaccurate, disputing claims that official findings contradicted his testimony.
The cross-examination is expected to continue as the defence seeks to test the reliability and consistency of the state's case against Matlala and his co-accused.
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