A lease agreement is the source of alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s latest legal trouble.
The National Prosecuting Authority accuses Matlala, his wife, Tsakane Matlala, and two others of fraudulently acquiring a lease for a residential property in Waterkloof, Pretoria.
Matlala remains in custody, while his wife and the two co-accused have been granted R10,000 bail.
The four made a brief appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.
The National Prosecuting Authority believes the four colluded in forging documents to secure a lease for the benefit of the Matlalas.
“So the four accused face multiple charges, including fraud. What basically happened is that the two other accused worked with Matlala and his wife to falsify documents, including Mrs Matlala using the identity of the other accused in applying for the lease, which was eventually approved based on the forged documents,” said NPA Gauteng spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, addressing the media outside court.
While the Matlalas later cancelled the lease, the NPA has vowed to continue prosecuting them for, among others, fraud, a crime that carries a potential sentence of 15 years.
Mahanjana singled out Matlala as having falsely claimed to be a Swati prince as part of the alleged fraud.
“Mr Matlala faces an additional charge of identity fraud, as he allegedly misrepresented himself as a Swati prince to create the impression that he would be able to afford the rent should the property be leased to him,” she said.
The NPA did not oppose the release on bail of the three, indicating to the court that it did not deem them to be flight risks.