Pretoria – Tsakani Matlala, the wife of crime-accused businessman Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala, has been released on R20 000 bail in fraud matter.
Tsakani Matlala and her co-accused were arrested on Tuesday, 22 September 2026.
Today, Wednesday, 23 September 2026, all four accused persons, 50-year-old Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala, his wife, 38-year-old Tsakani Matlala, 31-year-old Claudette Masethe, and 46-year-old Given Makofane, appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to an alleged fraudulent lease agreement.
Allegations are that in January 2025, the four accused acted in furtherance of a common purpose by falsifying documents to secure a lease agreement for a property in Waterkloof Heights, Pretoria, through a real estate agent.
The state further alleges that between 13 and 21 January 2025, Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala unlawfully possessed an identity document issued in the name of Vusumuzi Dlamini, purporting to be associated with the Eswatini Royal House to obtain the lease.
The accused face two counts of fraud, two counts of uttering, and forgery.
In addition, Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala is facing a charge of contravening the Identification Act.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Regional Spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, said the state did not oppose bail for three of the accused.
As a result, Tsakani Matlala, Masethe and Makofane were released on R20 000 bail each with conditions.
The trio was ordered to report periodically at their nearest police station, hand over their passports to the investigating officer, whom they should inform if they wish to travel outside the province.
They were also warned not to contact state witnesses.
However, NPA spokesperson Mahanjana said the state intends to oppose Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala’s bail application, which will be heard on 14 and 15 October 2026.
Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala remains remanded in custody on this matter and other serious charges, including attempted murder.
The matter against the three other accused has been postponed to 29 October 2026 for further investigation.
