The High Court in Johannesburg has denied controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s application for bail, upholding a lower court’s ruling that he is a flight risk and a danger to society.
The decision comes after Matlala’s defense team challenged a September ruling from the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, arguing that the court had erred in its initial decision to deny bail.
Matlala stands accused of orchestrating the failed assassination of his former girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, in October 2023.
In delivering his judgment, Acting Judge Du Plessis found that the “interest of justice would not be served by releasing Matlala on bail.” The judge concurred with the magistrate’s earlier findings, stating that Matlala possesses both the financial means and the opportunity to evade trial if released.
The ruling means Matlala will remain in custody as he awaits trial for the alleged murder-for-hire plot.