Matlala and co-accused set to stand trial over alleged contract killings
Alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala is set to appear in the Johannesburg High Court on Monday, as he and his co-accused face trial in connection with three attempted murder cases.
Matlala is accused of being the alleged mastermind behind a series of contract killings targeting businessman Joe Sibanyoni, media personality Tebogo Thobejane and musician DJ Vettys.
The trial follows an investigation launched in December 2024 by the Political Killings Task Team and Gauteng Counter-Intelligence Operations, which sought to establish links between the accused and the separate attacks.
Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane said the trial marks the culmination of months of intelligence-driven operations, evidence gathering and detailed investigations.
"The commencement of this trial is the result of months of meticulous investigations, intelligence-driven operations and evidence gathering by members who refused to give up until those responsible were brought before the courts."
Investigators have recovered two firearms allegedly linked to the attempted murders of Sibanyoni and DJ Vettys, with additional forensic and ballistic evidence expected to form part of the State's case.
Dimpane said the evidence gathered would be presented during the trial and expressed confidence that the court process would establish the truth.
"Our investigators have collected overwhelming evidence that exposes the role played by each accused. This evidence will be presented before the court, and we are confident that the truth will emerge during the trial."
The case against Matlala comes amid increased scrutiny of alleged organised crime networks and the use of contract killings to target individuals.
Dimpane said the matter demonstrates law enforcement's commitment to pursuing those accused of orchestrating violent crimes.
"This is a clear message to anyone who plans and executes contract killings: SAPS will pursue you relentlessly. We will use every available resource, every investigative tool and every intelligence capability at our disposal to ensure that criminal syndicates are dismantled and that those responsible are removed from society for a very long time."
The State is expected to present its case as Matlala and his co-accused face the court over the alleged attacks on Sibanyoni, Thobejane and DJ Vettys.
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