The Alexandra Magistrates’ Court has refused bail to businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, ruling that he poses both a flight risk and a threat to the integrity of witnesses in a case that prosecutors say involves attempted murder, fraud, and money laundering.
Magistrates found that Matlala, who has access to financial resources and was found to be in possession of an unlawfully obtained Eswatini identity document, could cross borders undetected if released. The court further determined that he had failed to demonstrate the “exceptional circumstances” required by law to justify his release on bail.
Matlala is facing charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, fraud, and money laundering. Prosecutors allege that between 12 and 17 October 2023 in Johannesburg he conspired to assassinate his ex-girlfriend, actress and businesswoman Tebogo Thobejane. He is also accused of laundering more than R120,000 linked to the alleged plot.
During proceedings, Matlala claimed that police had fabricated evidence against him, a version the court dismissed as unsubstantiated. The State introduced an affidavit from the investigating officer highlighting the fraudulent identity document as well as a series of receipts from a funeral parlour, allegedly used to disguise the flow of funds between Matlala and his co-accused, Musa Kekana and Tiego Floyd Mabusela.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) also revealed that two additional case dockets have been received from Pretoria, implicating Matlala, his wife Tsakani Matlala, co-accused Kekana and Mabusela, and Mabusela’s daughter, Nthabiseng Nzama. The prosecution requested a postponement until 7 October 2025 to allow for the centralisation of these matters and their transfer to the High Court in Johannesburg.
“The NPA welcomes this ruling, which affirms the rule of law,” said Gauteng regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, adding that the authority remains committed to dismantling organised crime networks and ensuring accountability for serious offences.
The bail ruling sets the stage for what is expected to be a complex High Court trial, involving multiple accused, cross-border documentation, and financial transactions linked to the alleged conspiracy.