Businessman Vusi Matlala and Wife Arrested in Alleged Assassination Plot Against Socialite Tebogo Thobejane

Gauteng businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his wife, Tsakani, Left, South African elevision personality Tebogo Thobejane, Right

Businessman and tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his wife, Tsakani Matlala, are in custody following allegations that they orchestrated a failed hit on Matlala’s former girlfriend, South African socialite and television personality Tebogo Thobejane.

The dramatic arrest of Tsakani Matlala came Thursday night during what was initially a routine bail hearing for her husband at Alexandra Magistrate’s Court. Both remain behind bars and are scheduled to return to court on Tuesday, June 3.

The case stems from a brazen October 2023 shooting in the affluent Johannesburg suburb of Sandton, where gunmen opened fire on Thobejane’s vehicle. Though Thobejane escaped without physical injury, a companion traveling with her was seriously wounded and required extensive hospitalization.

At Friday’s brief court session, the Matlalas appeared alongside two additional accused individuals — Musa Kekana, 35, and Tiego Floyd Mabusela, 43 — who are alleged to be the hitmen involved in the attack. Legal counsel successfully moved to block media from photographing the accused during the proceedings.

Gauteng businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala

Defense attorney Victor Nkwashu, representing Vusi Matlala, informed the court that his client was prepared to surrender his travel documents as part of potential bail conditions. Attorneys for Kekana and Mabusela requested their clients be transferred to Johannesburg’s main correctional facility, citing logistical complications at their current holding locations.

The alleged hitmen are set to appear again on July 11, with their case expected to be transferred to the Johannesburg High Court for trial. Legal experts anticipate a protracted legal battle as prosecutors work to compile comprehensive evidence against all four accused.

The high-profile case has triggered a wave of online commentary, with some social media users dubbing the Matlalas “Mzansi’s Bonnie and Clyde.” Meanwhile, the entertainment industry has rallied around Thobejane, who continues to receive emotional and professional support in the wake of the traumatic attack.

Tenderpreneur Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala's attempted murder case moved to June 3.