Controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala says he is stunned to find himself at the centre of the attempted murder case involving Muvhango actress Tebogo Thobejane, claiming he only learned of the shooting through social media.
Speaking at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday morning during his bail application, Matlala said he was baffled by the charges against him and questioned why he had been singled out while other individuals named by Thobejane had not been charged.
“I am still shocked at the reasons why I have been singled out and charged for this incident, while none of the other people she mentioned in both mainstream and social media – as those she suspected of being involved in her shooting – have been charged,” Matlala said in a sworn affidavit.
“Whether she was the targeted victim, or whether it was the other occupants of that vehicle, it does not make any sense to me that I would be associated with her shooting.”
Accused of Orchestrating Hit on Former Girlfriend
Matlala is facing multiple charges including attempted murder, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit murder. The charges relate to a 2023 shooting in which Thobejane and a friend were attacked while driving on the N1 highway. Thobejane sustained a foot injury, while her friend suffered a severe spinal injury and spent several months in hospital.
Despite the serious allegations, Matlala maintains his innocence.
“I have been informed that I will face charges of attempted murder, conspiracy, and money laundering in connection with three police dockets. From the outset, I maintain that all these charges are baseless and lack substance. I deny the allegations and challenge the state to present any evidence that links me directly or indirectly to these heinous crimes,” he said.
Relationship Ended in 2021
Matlala confirmed that he had previously been in a relationship with Thobejane, but said it ended amicably in September 2021 — well before the shooting incident took place.
“At the time of the alleged incident, I was no longer in an intimate relationship with the said victim. I can’t recall exactly where I was on the day of the incident, but I learned about the shooting through social and mainstream media,” he stated.
Claims of Victim Contacting Him for Help
In a surprising twist, Matlala alleged that Thobejane contacted him several times after the shooting, seeking help and protection — a request he says he turned down due to the ongoing police investigation.
“It is important to note that this particular victim, whom I dated until 2021, contacted me on several occasions asking for help after the vehicle she was travelling in was shot at. She reached out to me from October 2023, and continued into 2024,” he said.
“She was still asking for my help and protection, since I am in the security industry. I invite the state to confirm this with the victim and advise it to refrain from suggesting that I contacted her in any way related to this case. Otherwise, it may later be alleged that I interfered with her during the course of this matter.”
Matlala added that he declined to get involved, as Thobejane had already named several individuals she suspected in connection to the shooting, and he did not want to jeopardise the investigation.
“I could not assist her because the matter was already under police investigation. I did not want to compromise that process,” he said.
The bail application hearing is ongoing.
