At the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, the National Prosecuting Authority has laid bare a series of bank transfers from businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to his co-accused, alleging the funds were payment for the attempted murder of his former partner, socialite Tebogo Thobejane.
The court heard that the timing of these payments, one made just over an hour before the mother of the accused, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, passed away, forms a central pillar of the state’s case.
Prosecutor Elize le Roux meticulously detailed the transactions, stating,
“What is important is timing. The mother passed away on October 18 2023, at 12.36 pm. Yet the R100,000 (US$5,400) payment had already been made earlier that day at 11.39am.”
Le Roux further questioned the validity of the defence’s explanation, noting a payment of R20,000 (US$1,080) was made six days before the woman’s death. The payments, made to accounts linked to Mabusela and his daughter Nthabiseng Nzama, were referenced with the phrase ‘Medicare 24’, which the state implies was a cover story.
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The Accused’s Emotional Defence
In an affidavit, Matlala vehemently denied any criminal intent behind the financial exchanges. He insisted the money was sent out of familial duty and respect, not as payment for a contracted killing. He described the deceased woman as a pivotal figure in his life, stating,
“Mabusela’s mother was instrumental in my upbringing and emotional support. When she passed away I could not resist honouring her with financial contributions towards her funeral arrangements.”
Matlala expressed bewilderment at the money laundering charge, arguing the transactions were transparent.
“I cannot comprehend how I could be charged with money laundering where there have been funds exchanged between me and Mabusela with clear indications of their origins and destination. In short, no attempt has been made to disguise these transactions because there was no need to do so,” he told the court.
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A Web of Violent Crimes
The case extends far beyond the alleged plot against Thobejane. The court was reminded that Mabusela and his co-accused Musa Kekana are also facing charges for the murders of renowned DJ Sumbody and his two bodyguards in November 2022. The state alleges the group is linked to a spate of similar killings across Gauteng, where victims were targeted in their vehicles on the province’s roads.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that firearms seized in connection with one of these murders were ballistically linked to at least ten other killings, including the shooting of Thobejane. The bail hearing for all the accused has been postponed to September 8.
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The post Court Hears How NPA Uncovered Cat Matlala’s Payments For Hit On Ex-Lover Tebogo Thobejane appeared first on iHarare News.
