Cat Matlala Trial: Security Guard Tells Court How He Returned Fire During Alleged Joe Sibanyoni Ambush

The trial of alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala continued in the Johannesburg High Court on Tuesday, with a security officer giving detailed evidence about the attempted murder of taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni.

Bidvest Protea Security officer Bethuel Cele told the court he came under fire while on duty at Centurion Golf Estate on 10 August 2022. He testified that he returned fire with his 9mm service pistol after gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles allegedly ambushed Sibanyoni shortly after he entered the estate.

Matlala, his wife Tsakane Matlala, Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela and Nthabiseng Nzama are facing 25 charges, including the attempted murders of Sibanyoni, media personality Tebogo Thobejane and musician Austin “DJ Vettys” Mokobung. All of the accused have pleaded not guilty.

Cat Matlala Trial Hears Details Of Alleged Joe Sibanyoni Ambush

Cele, who told the court he had nearly 20 years’ experience in the security industry, said he was on duty when a red Ferrari entered the estate just after 10pm. He said the sports car was followed by a Volkswagen Golf 7.

According to his testimony, a white BMW travelling slowly through the estate immediately drew his attention.

“The left-side window was slightly lowered. The BMW drove past, made a U-turn at the traffic lights and returned. The BMW then stopped near the Ferrari and Golf 7 before two armed men jumped out carrying AK-47 rifles,” he told the court.

“As soon as they got out, they realised I had seen them. The first shot was fired at me.”

Cele said he and fellow security officer Francis Mazibuko immediately ran behind a nearby tree for cover as bullets were fired in their direction.

While taking cover, Mazibuko reminded him that he was armed and that they could not simply remain hidden while under attack.

Security Officer Says He Fired All 15 Rounds During Gun Battle

The Cat Matlala trial heard that Cele drew his 9mm service pistol and returned fire at the alleged attackers. He testified that he discharged all 15 rounds during the exchange.

Cele told the court he believed he struck one of the gunmen.

“I saw that he had been shot in the stomach. I could see his intestines protruding before he climbed back into the BMW through the window.”

He said another gunman continued firing towards the occupants of the Ferrari and the Volkswagen Golf while the shooting continued.

“One of them shouted, ‘Die, you dog,’ before opening fire again. I was lying on my stomach while firing my weapon.”

According to Cele, several people travelling in the Ferrari and Golf managed to run deeper into the estate to escape the gunfire.

He said the attackers eventually fled the scene in the white BMW, leaving behind what he described as a chaotic crime scene.

Defence Challenges Witness During Cat Matlala Trial

During cross-examination, Musa Kekana’s lawyer, Riaan Gissing, questioned Cele about the forensic evidence gathered after the shooting.

Gissing suggested that if Cele had fired all 15 rounds from his firearm, investigators should have recovered 15 spent cartridges together with the corresponding bullets.

Cele agreed and said police officers later processed the scene before taking possession of his firearm for ballistic testing.

“I gave the firearm back to my manager, and it was locked in the safe. The police then collected it for ballistic testing,” he testified.

Gissing also referred the witness to an earlier police statement in which he indicated that only two suspects exited the BMW.

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“I saw three suspects that were in the BMW, and only two came out of the vehicle during the shooting,” Gissing read to the court.

Cele maintained there was no inconsistency in his evidence.

“The two got out first and started shooting. After the vehicle came to a standstill, the third person also got out and started shooting,” he said.

Tensions later arose during questioning by Nthabiseng Nzama’s lawyer, Advocate Timothy Chauke, who criticised Cele’s responses when asked about the collection of ballistic evidence.

Chauke objected after Cele replied that whether police recovered his bullets was “none of my business”.

“I wouldn’t say that the phrase is derogatory, but I would say it is disrespectful, especially in the context in which it is said. And I would feel that, much as this witness wants to be respected, he owes respect to us,” Chauke told the court.

Cele rejected the criticism, explaining that the issue stemmed from his use of isiZulu while giving evidence.

“I said at the outset that I wanted to testify in Zulu. Now, when I’m testifying in Zulu, people get lost,” Cele said.