State Confirms Tebogo Thobejane Questioned Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala After Hit On Her Life

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that television actress and influencer Tebogo Thobejane contacted controversial Gauteng businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala following the alleged hit on her life, as he claimed, but for a different purpose.

The NPA clarified that Thobejane’s call was not to request protection from him, as Matlala previously claimed, but rather to confront him directly and ask whether he was behind the shooting.

This revelation came during Matlala’s bail application at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where the state opposed his release.

Matlala’s Bail Application and Defence Claims

Matlala faces charges related to the alleged October 17, 2023, attempted hit on Thobejane, his ex-girlfriend. He was arrested on May 14 and remains in custody.

During the bail proceedings, Matlala argued through his affidavit that Thobejane had contacted him between October 2023 and June 2024 for protection, citing his involvement in the private security industry. He claimed he refused to assist because the case was under investigation.

Matlala stated that he and Thobejane dated for 13 months starting in early 2020 and ended the relationship in September 2021 “without any animosity.”

His lawyer, Advocate Laurance Hodes SC, argued that the state has no direct evidence — such as DNA, fingerprints, or ballistic proof — linking him to the attempted hit. Hodes further suggested that Matlala could be placed under house arrest if granted bail.

State’s Case Against Matlala

Despite the lack of direct forensic evidence, the prosecutor maintained that the state has a “strong, circumstantial case” against Matlala, supported by WhatsApp conversations and bank payments allegedly tying him to the plot.

The prosecutor also argued that Matlala poses both a flight risk and a danger to society, describing him as the alleged mastermind behind the shooting.

Matlala’s criminal history was also highlighted. At age 25, he was convicted of housebreaking and theft in Pretoria North in 2001 and served four years in prison. While he has no other convictions, the state revealed he has been arrested 11 times on charges including attempted murder and illegal firearm possession.

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Currently 49, Matlala identified himself as self-employed, running four companies: CAT VIP Protection, Lux of Africa Investments (Pty) Ltd, Black AK Trading, and Medi Care 24 Tshwane District (Pty) Ltd.

The matter has been postponed to September 17 for Magistrate Dyta Prinsloo to deliver judgment on Matlala’s bail application.

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