'Cat' Matlala Trial Resumes As Musa Kekana's Defence Prepares To Cross-Examine State Witness

The trial involving alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala is set to continue on Monday, with lawyers representing accused number one, Musa Kekana, expected to begin cross-examining the State's second witness, Christiaan Shepherd.

Matlala and four co-accused are facing charges of murder and attempted murder linked to three separate incidents that allegedly took place between 2022 and 2024. The current proceedings form part of a trial-within-a-trial aimed at deciding whether certain evidence connected to Kekana's arrest can be admitted.

Kekana's legal team has challenged the legality of the search and seizure conducted during his arrest, as well as the admissibility of digital evidence collected by investigators and statements allegedly made by him at the time. It remains unclear which specific admissions or items of physical evidence the defence wants excluded.

Defence Challenges Evidence Collected During Musa Kekana's Arrest

Kekana was taken into custody shortly after the mistaken killing of Armand Swart. At the time of his arrest, he was travelling in a Mercedes-Benz V-Class alongside former police officer Michael Pule Tau and Tiego Mabusela.

Investigators have linked firearms recovered during the arrest to 30 other criminal investigations, including three attempted murder cases associated with the 25 combined charges currently before the court.

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Police also allege that officers discovered a Vodacom airtime or data purchase receipt inside the vehicle.

According to the State, the receipt is connected to purchases made in Morningside, where actress Tebogo Thobejane was the target of an attempted murder after she was allegedly followed for several hours before she and a friend came under gunfire.

State Witness Expected To Face Cross-Examination

During Friday's proceedings, prosecutors presented evidence relating to the circumstances surrounding Kekana's arrest.

The State focused on what Kekana was wearing at the time and whether Shepherd could positively identify him. Shepherd later identified Kekana in court after he was asked to remove the face mask he had been wearing since before the trial commenced.

The witness was also questioned about Kekana's physical condition and demeanour during the arrest.

Prosecutors are seeking to establish that any statements or admissions allegedly made by Kekana during or after his arrest were given voluntarily and were not the result of coercion.

Shepherd is expected to be cross-examined by Kekana's defence when court proceedings resume.