How Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala’s Payments Spark Suspicion In Alleged Ex-Lover Hit Plot

Exactly one hour and three minutes before the death of Tiego Floyd Mabusela’s mother, businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala wired R100,000 to Mabusela’s daughter’s account.

Prosecutor Elize le Roux told the Alexandra magistrate’s court that the timing, coupled with other payments and communications, suggested a link to an attempted hit on Matlala’s ex-lover, Tebogo Thobejane, on October 17, 2023.

Matlala had made R200,000 in total payments—partly into Mabusela’s business account and partly into his daughter Nthabiseng Nzama’s account. According to the state, these payments were disguised as contributions for funeral expenses.

“R50,000 was then transferred from that account into a company where accused 2 [Mabusela] is the sole director. On October 18, the day after the shooting, a further R100,000 was paid into [Nzama’s] account. On that same day, R50,000 was paid into accused 2’s account. Both transfers carried the reference ‘Medicare 24’,” Le Roux said.

Le Roux called Matlala’s funeral explanation implausible, pointing out the first R100,000 payment was made before Mabusela’s mother had even passed away.

Vusimuzi Matlala Defends Himself: “Funds Were Transparent, Not Criminal”

Matlala denied money laundering charges, insisting all payments were legitimate.

“I was questioned by the police during my detention at Boksburg East police station. During interrogation I was shown a bank statement belonging to Lwandlelakhe Construction and Projects, ostensibly owned by the daughter of Mabusela [Nzama],” he said.

“The statement reflected two deposits from my company account: R20,000 on October 12, 2023, which I paid to assist with medical expenses for Mabusela’s terminally ill mother, and R100,000 on October 18, 2023 to help with funeral arrangements after she passed away.”

“Mabusela’s mother was instrumental in my upbringing and emotional support. When she passed away I could not resist honouring her with financial contributions towards her funeral arrangements.”

Matlala emphasized that all transactions were traceable and transparent.

“I cannot comprehend how I could be charged with money laundering where there have been funds exchanged between me and Mabusela with clear indications of their origins and destination. In short, no attempt has been made to disguise these transactions because there was no need to do so.”

Court Reveals Broader Crime Web Linked to Gauteng Killings

The court heard that Matlala, Mabusela, and co-accused Musa Kekana are connected to a string of violent shootings across Gauteng. Just five days before the Thobejane attack, Matlala transferred R20,000 to Nzama while Mabusela coordinated with Kekana on the alleged plot.

Other victims tied to the accused include: DJ Sumbody and his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza (Nov 2022), Hector “DJ Vintos” Buthelezi (March 2022), Don Tindleni (March 2023), and Armand Swart (April 2024).

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Police confirmed firearms seized during Swart’s murder were linked to at least 10 other killings, including the Thobejane shooting.

Matlala, his wife Tsakani, Mabusela, and Kekana face attempted murder, conspiracy, and money laundering charges, while Nzama is charged with money laundering. Their bail hearing is set for September 8.

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