State outlines alleged links between Matlala, co-accused as trial begins
The State began presenting its case against alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala and his co-accused on Monday, detailing alleged links between the accused and three separate attempted murder incidents.
During the opening of evidence in the Johannesburg High Court, State prosecutor Advocate Elize le Roux outlined the State’s case, saying investigators had gathered evidence linking the accused to attacks targeting businessman Joe Sibanyoni, media personality Tebogo Thobejane and musician DJ Vettys.
All five accused have pleaded not guilty to the charges they face.
The accused include Matlala, Musa Kekana, Floyd Mabusela, Tiego Mabusela and Nthabiseng Nzama, while Matlala’s wife, Tsakane Matlala, is also before the court facing a charge of accessory after the fact to attempted murder.
SIBANYONI ATTEMPTED MURDER CASE
The State’s first focus is the alleged attempted murder of businessman Joe Sibanyoni and others in Centurion on 10 August 2022.
Le Roux told the court that Sibanyoni and other complainants were parked outside a country club when a white BMW allegedly approached, and shots were fired from the vehicle.
Sibanyoni was seriously injured during the attack.
The State says witnesses will testify about the shooting, the route travelled before the incident, and an alleged history of animosity between Sibanyoni and the late Jotam Zanemvula Msibi, also known as Mswazi or Mswati.
It also alleges that Matlala provided protection services to Sibanyoni through his company, CAT Security Services.
Investigators recovered 21 cartridges at the scene, which were allegedly identified as coming from an AK-47 assault rifle.
The State also told the court that video footage from security companies, vehicle evidence and forensic analysis would form part of its case.
Le Roux said investigators traced a white BMW allegedly linked to the shooting, with forensic experts finding evidence of repaired bullet holes.
The State alleges cell phone analysis placed some of the accused near locations linked to the incident, including the restaurant where Sibanyoni and his companions had been before the shooting.
THOBEJANE ATTEMPTED MURDER CASE
The State also outlined its case relating to the attempted murder of media personality Tebogo Thobejane in October 2023.
According to the prosecution, Thobejane and her companions were leaving Morningside Shopping Centre when a Volkswagen Caddy allegedly drove alongside their vehicle, and shots were fired.
Her friend, Anele Alicia Malinga, was seriously injured and left with permanent injuries, the State told the court.
The prosecution alleges that surveillance footage showed a silver Volkswagen Caddy arriving at the shopping centre and two men allegedly loitering in the area before the shooting.
The State says one of the men captured on video was identified as accused number one.
Le Roux told the court that cell phone analysis allegedly placed the accused persons near the locations where Thobejane and her friends were earlier that day.
The State also referred to WhatsApp communications allegedly exchanged between accused one and two before the attack.
One message allegedly stated: “We’re going to follow her out and work.”
Another message allegedly asked what vehicle would be used, with the response referring to a VW.
The State alleges there were also financial transactions involving companies linked to some of the accused before and after the shooting.
DJ VETTYS ATTEMPTED MURDER CASE
The third incident involves musician Austin “DJ Vettys” Mokobung, who was allegedly attacked in January 2024.
The State alleges Mokobung and two friends were followed by a Hyundai i20 after leaving a venue in Braamfontein.
The prosecution told the court that occupants of the vehicle allegedly opened fire, seriously injuring Mokobung and his companions.
The State alleges that one of the firearms recovered during a later arrest was ballistically linked to the attack.
Le Roux told the court that an AK-47 recovered during a police operation was also allegedly linked to the Sibanyoni shooting.
The court heard that police recovered three firearms during the arrest of the accused persons in April 2025, including an AK-47 and two pistols.
The State alleges one of the pistols was linked to the Mokobung shooting.
JUDGE WARNS ACCUSED ABOUT POSSIBLE SENTENCES
Before evidence began, Judge Cassim Moosa explained to the accused the seriousness of the charges they face and the possible consequences if convicted.
He told the accused that some of the attempted murder charges carry minimum sentences under the Criminal Law Amendment Act.
“In the ordinary course of business, the imposition of life imprisonment unless there are truly seen to be substantial and compelling circumstances that may cause a court to deviate.”
The judge also explained that illegal possession of a prohibited firearm could attract a minimum sentence of 25 years, while illegal possession of ammunition could result in a minimum sentence of 15 years.
Moosa encouraged the accused to actively participate in their defence by taking notes and communicating with their legal representatives.
“It is your trial; it is your duty to ensure that you participate. It doesn’t mean that you’re the accused and you’re sitting out there, you’re sitting in a movie house, and you’re just watching what’s happening.”
He reminded them of their constitutional rights to a fair trial and to challenge evidence presented against them.
The trial is expected to continue on Tuesday as the State calls witnesses and presents evidence before the Johannesburg High Court.
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