Business tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, his wife Tsakani Matlala and other accused appeared in the Johannesburg High Court on Thursday for a pre-trial hearing.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Judge William Karam has voiced his frustration as the attempted murder case against controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and four other co-accused faced yet another postponement on Thursday in the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg. The proceedings, which have been plagued by several delays, were further stalled when the defence lawyers cited outstanding evidence as the reason for their inability to continue.
Matlala and his co-accused face 25 charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, fraud, money laundering and defeating the ends of justice. The hearing is currently focused on pre-trial procedures as both the State and defence prepare for the next steps in the case.
The other co-accused in the matter are Musa Kekana and Tiego Floyd Mabusela and Mabusela’s daughter, Nthabiseng Nzama.
Matlala faces charges stemming from an alleged failed assassination attempt on his former girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, as well as the shootings of taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni and music producer Seunkie “DJ Vetteys” Mokubong.
The matter was postponed to March 18 after lawyers for the accused indicated that they are unable to continue with the pre-trial conference because the state has not shared some evidence in its possession. The matter was postponed for two weeks ago to allow the defence to assess the state’s evidence and disclosures.
"Let me just add, and this is not a reflection on anybody specifically. The court's head is spinning from being told that the pretrial (hearing) would not be conducted. On previous occasions, we were advised that the pretrial would be conducted, save for the accused five, whose legal representation has changed. Now, after tea, we are being advised that there will be no pretrial being conducted," the judge said.
IOL previously reported that the state alleges that the accused orchestrated a shooting, laundered money linked to the alleged plot, and used a fraudulent invoice to conceal the source of funds and mislead the court.
The stalled pretrial proceedings follow an application by Matlala’s legal team for a court order to facilitate consultations with their client after difficulties in accessing him following his transfer from Kgosi Mampuru II Maximum Security Prison in Pretoria to eBongweni Supermax Correctional Centre in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal.
During his previous appearance, Matlala's Advocate, Annelene van den Heever complained about the conditions at the eBongweni Correctional Centre.