Johannesburg trial of Vusimusi Matlala

In late July 2026 a Johannesburg High Court scheduled the murder‑attempt trial of alleged underworld figure Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala and four co‑accused, setting dates from 20 July to 18 September with a brief hiatus in August. The judge rejected a postponement request, allowing the case to proceed despite claims of prejudice. All five defendants pleaded not guilty to 25 counts that include attempted murder, fraud and money‑laundering linked to alleged hit‑plots on businessman Joe Sibanyoni, media personality Tebogo Thobejane and music producer Seun Mokubung.

A week later the court heard the prosecution question police procedures, focusing on why a search warrant was not obtained before entering alleged hitman Musa Kekana’s property. Kekana alleged police brutality during his arrest, which the attending officer denied, citing medical assistance provided. The hearing also referenced earlier murders connected to the case, underscoring the broader scope of the investigation.

Together the proceedings illustrate the trial’s progression from scheduling and initial rulings to substantive evidentiary and procedural disputes within the same judicial process.