Pretoria – Crime-accused businessman, Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala, has abandoned his bail application in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court in one of the many cases he faces.
In this matter, the 50-year-old, with a long rap sheet, faces charges linked to the alleged use of falsified documents to secure a residential lease in Waterkloof Heights.
Matlala, who appeared before the court on Wednesday 14 October 2026, faces two counts of fraud, two counts of uttering, one count of forgery, and a charge of contravening the Identification Act.
Allegations are that in January 2025, Matlala and his co-accused, who include his 38-year-old wife Tsakani Matlala, 31-year-old Claudette Masethe and 46-year-old Given Makofane, acted in furtherance of a common purpose.
They allegedly falsified documents to secure a lease agreement for a property in Waterkloof Heights, Pretoria, through a real estate agent.
It is further alleged that between 13 and 21 January 2025, Matlala unlawfully possessed an identity document issued in the name of Vusumuzi Dlamini, which purported to associate him with the Eswatini Royal House.
He allgedly did this in order to obtain the lease.
Although Matlala abandoned his bail application, his three co-accused were released on bail during a previous court appearance.
In court the matter was postponed to 29 October 2026 for further investigations.
Matlala, who was arrested last year, on 14 May 2025, faces multiple criminal matters in different courts.
Main cases against Matlala
1. Attempted murder and conspiracy case
- Prosecutors allege Matlala was involved in murder-for-hire plots targeting his former socialite girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane. This is the case that first led to his arrest on 14 May 2025.
Other similar cases against Matlala
- Prosecutors allege Matlala was also involved in murder-for-hire plots targeting taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, and music producer Seunkie “DJ Vettys” Mokubung.
- The indictment includes charges such as attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, money laundering, fraud and firearms-related offences. Court records indicate a combined 25 charges against Matlala and his co-accused.
2. Waterkloof Heights lease fraud case
- Matlala is accused of helping to falsify documents to secure a luxury rental property in Waterkloof Heights, Pretoria.
- Charges include:
- Two counts of fraud
- Two counts of uttering
- One count of forgery
- Contravening the Identification Act
- Prosecutors say he allegedly used an identity document in the name of “Vusumuzi Dlamini”, purportedly linking him to the Eswatini royal house, to obtain the lease. Fraud Case: Matlala Bail Abandoned,
3. South African Police Service tender corruption case
- Separately, Matlala has faced charges relating to a controversial SAPS health-services tender awarded to his company, Medicare24 Tshwane District.
- According to court proceedings, he agreed to plead guilty to charges including fraud, corruption and money laundering linked to that tender process.
