Johannesburg High Court moves ahead with Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala murder trial despite postponement challenge

The Johannesburg High Court set the trial dates for alleged underworld kingpin Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala and four co‑accused, running from 20 July to 18 September 2026 with a three‑week break in August. Judge Cassim Moosa ruled the proceedings could continue despite a request to postpone, finding no prejudice to the accused.

The five defendants – Matlala, his wife Tsakane, Musa Kekana, Nthabiseng Nzama and Tiego Mabusela – face 25 counts including attempted murder, fraud and money‑laundering linked to alleged hit‑plots against businessman Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, media personality Tebogo Thobejane and music producer Seun Mokubung (DJ Vettys) between August 2022 and January 2024. All pleaded not guilty; the State will call Sibanyoni as its first witness, relying on CCTV, phone records and forensic evidence. Kekana’s lawyer Riaan Gessing cited a scheduling conflict with another high‑court trial, but the judge ruled the adjournment would not prejudice the case.