By Mapaballo Borotho

- Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his four co-accused are set to stand trial in the Johannesburg High Court on Monday.
- They face 25 charges linked to three alleged attempted murder plots targeting Tebogo Thobejane, Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and DJ Vettys.
- The State says it is ready to present forensic, ballistic and financial evidence in one of South Africa’s most high-profile criminal trials.
The highly anticipated attempted murder trial of controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his four co-accused is set to get underway in the Johannesburg High Court on Monday, 20 July 2026.
This means Matlala will stand trial over the attempted murders of businessman Joe Sibanyoni, media personality Tebogo Thobejane, and musician DJ Vettys.
The trial was given the green light to proceed after the court resolved concerns over the legal representation of co-accused Musa Kekana.
Kekana’s legal team confirmed that it had secured the funding needed to continue with his defence.
Matlala, his wife Tsakani Matlala, Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela and Nthabiseng Nzama face a combined 25 charges, including attempted murder, fraud and money laundering.
The attempted murder charges in this trial stem from three alleged hit plots targeting actress Tebogo Thobejane, taxi boss and businessman Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, and music producer Seunkie Mokubung, popularly known as DJ Vettys.
The State claims Matlala orchestrated the attacks, with Mabusela and Kekana allegedly recruited as the gunmen.
Tsakani Matlala is accused of playing a role in planning the alleged conspiracies.
Nthabiseng Nzama, who is Tiego Mabusela’s daughter, faces money laundering charges after allegedly receiving R100 000 from Matlala’s business account before allegedly transferring the funds to her father as payment linked to the alleged attempt on Thobejane’s life.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it is ready to present its case as one of the country’s most closely watched criminal trials gets underway.
Meanwhile, Acting National Commissioner Puleng Dimpane has commended investigators for their unwavering commitment, resilience and determination in building what police describe as a watertight case against those allegedly responsible for planning and executing the attacks.
“The commencement of this trial is the result of months of meticulous investigations, intelligence-driven operations and evidence gathering by members who refused to give up until those responsible were brought before the courts.”
Investigators have thus far recovered two firearms linked to the attempted murders of Joe Sibanyoni and DJ Vettys.
Further forensic and ballistic evidence will form part of the State’s case.
This is a developing story. Follow updates as the story unfolds @Kaya News on X.
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