Johannesburg – Crime-accused businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his wife Tsakani Matlala sat beside each other in the Johannesburg High Court on Monday, 20 July 2026, where the state read out a long list of names of people they allegedly tried to kill.
Also in the dock were alleged hitmen Musa Kekana and Tiego Floyd Mabusela, and the latter’s daughter Nthabiseng Nzama.
They all face a combined 25 charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, fraud, money laundering, and firearms offences.
The targets of Matlala’s alleged assassination plots included:
- Madoda Joe Sibanyoni – Businessman
- Tebogo Thobejane – Actress and media personality, also Matlala’s former girlfriend
- Austin Seunky Mokubung (DJ Vettys) – Music producer
- Anele Alicia Malinga (Japan) – Business associate
- Khumbulani Ncube – Alleged rival
- Leonard Buhle Masongo – Alleged rival
- Tshwarelo Pitso – Alleged rival
Kekana and Mabusela allegedly carried out the assassination attempts at the alleged behest of Matlala.
Matlala’s wife, Tsakani, was charged with being an accessory after the fact in several murder attempts, while Nzama faces money laundering charges related to transferring funds between accounts while allegedly knowing they were proceeds of crime.
Many of the offences carry mandatory life sentences.
Appearing concerned about the fate of the accused, presiding judge Cassim Moosa urged them to participate in their defence, as a guilty finding could have very dire consequences.
After ensuring that the accused understood the severity of the charges they face and having them enter their pleas, Judge Moosa said at their next appearance on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, he would provide the accused with pens and paper so that they may take notes during proceedings.
All the accused pleaded not guilty to all the charges they face.
However, Advocate Annelene van den Heever, representing Matlala and his wife Tsakani, told the court that her clients would make some concessions when they next appeared in court.
Matlala, Kekana and Mabusela were remanded in custody, while the bail of the two accused women, Tsakani Matlala and Nzama, was extended.
The matter was adjourned to Tuesday,21 July 2026.
