Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala and four co-accused will stand trial at the Johannesburg High Court on 20 July 2026, facing 25 charges including 11 counts of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, according to the National Prosecuting Authority. The charges arise from alleged assassination attempts targeting Matlala’s former girlfriend Tebogo Thobejane, businessman Joe Sibanyoni, and music producer Seunkie Mokubung between August 2022 and January 2024.

Status Of Accused And Bail Decisions

Matlala, alongside co-accused Musa Kekana and Tiego Mabusela, remains in custody after bail was denied, as confirmed by court records on 30 June 2026. Matlala’s wife, Tsakani, and Nthabiseng Nzama are out on bail and will also stand trial.

Media reports cite the accused’s alleged ties to the so-called Big Five cartel, a claim referenced in Sashin Naidoo’s coverage for SABC News. However, this alleged link remains subject to judicial process and has not been tested in court.

Parallel Fraud Case And Timeline

Matlala is also confronting separate charges in a R228 million SAPS tender fraud case, where he withdrew from a plea agreement after the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court rejected the proposed eight-year sentence on 13 July 2026, according to eNCA. This case is separate from the attempted murder charges and remains before the courts.

The attempted murder case was transferred to the High Court on 11 November 2025, following a series of postponements. Key incidents in the charge sheet date back to August 2022 with the alleged attempt on Sibanyoni, continuing through to January 2024 with the charge relating to DJ Vettys.

Proceedings are scheduled to commence on 20 July 2026, with the state expected to call several witnesses connected to the alleged assassination attempts. Further developments are anticipated as the trial progresses.