The Johannesburg High Court has heard that State witness and security guard Bethwell Cele was employed by taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni, who was shot and wounded in an alleged hit the State claims was orchestrated by alleged underworld kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala in 2022.
The testimony emerged during Cele’s cross-examination in the attempted murder trial of Matlala, his wife Tsakani Matlala, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, Musa Kekana and Nthabiseng Nzama.
Advocate Nardus Grové, representing accused number two, Mabusela, subjected Cele to lengthy cross-examination, questioning his employment history and relationship with Sibanyoni.
Grové put it to Cele that Sibanyoni had survived after being shot twice in the stomach.
“Sibanyoni was shot twice in the stomach but survived,” Grové said.
“Yes, he did,” Cele replied.
The advocate then challenged Cele’s evidence about his employment.
“It is not correct that you worked for him?”
Cele responded: “Why does this have to do with my work? You see where this is going.”
When Grové asked whether he had worked for Sibanyoni, Cele replied: “I worked for him through another company.”
As the exchange became increasingly tense, Judge Cassim Moosa intervened, urging the witness to remain composed.
“You are becoming a little frustrated, but the nature of the proceedings is such that we have to have certain matters ventilated and ventilated properly,” Moosa said.
The trial resumes with the continuation of Cele’s cross-examination.
The State alleges that Matlala masterminded the 2022 attempted murder of taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni. Matlala, his wife Tsakani Matlala, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, Musa Kekana and Nthabiseng Nzama have all pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial is continuing in the Johannesburg High Court.
