The five accused in the alleged murder-for-hire case involving Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala face a combined prison sentence of more than 300 years if convicted, after pleading not guilty to 25 charges in the Johannesburg High Court.
Matlala and co-accused Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, Tsakani Matlala and Nthabiseng Nzama appeared before the court on Monday, where they denied all charges contained in the indictment.
The State is seeking sentences in line with South Africa’s minimum sentencing legislation for serious offences, with several charges carrying the possibility of life imprisonment.
The indictment stems from three alleged murder-for-hire plots that prosecutors say took place between 2022 and 2024.
One relates to the alleged conspiracy to murder Madoda Joe Sibanyoni and the attempted murder of Sibanyoni and four others.
Another centres on the attempted assassination of actress Tebogo Thobejane. Prosecutors allege Matlala instructed co-accused Mabusela and Kekana to carry out the attack. The indictment also includes the attempted murders of Anele Alicia Malinga, known as “Japan”, and Khumbulani Ncube.
The third alleged plot involves an alleged conspiracy to murder Austin Seunky Mokubung, also known as “DJ Vetty”, and the attempted murders of Mokubung, Leonard Buhle Masongo and Tshwarelo Pitso.
According to the State, payments to the alleged hitmen were disguised through fraudulent financial transactions, including false invoices issued by a funeral parlour to conceal the proceeds of crime. The accused also face charges of fraud, money laundering and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
Counsel representing Tsakani Matlala and Nthabiseng Nzama informed the court that their clients intend making formal admissions when the trial resumes on Tuesday.
The closely watched trial continues in the Johannesburg High Court.