State argues that Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala is a flight risk

VUSIMUZI ‘Cat’ Matlala’s relationship with Brown Mogotsi, his elaborate plan to lure his former girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, and the lump sum payments to some of the accused are among the pieces of evidence that the investigating officer has presented in court records.

- SIYABONGA SITHOLE

The State said that it has sufficient evidence that Matlala, who has allegedly used fraudulent documents and invoices, is a dangerous mastermind who could easily flee South Africa if granted bail.

Matlala appeared on his own for his bail application, which was postponed to September 8, as the State planned to oppose his bail application.

The State is relying on the affidavit deposed by the lead investigator, who remains anonymous due to the sensitivity of the matter.

“The State seeks to oppose the applicant's bail application because the applicant is a dangerous criminal who is charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and has felt a man paralysed in the process on a private jet, and has travelled outside South Africa at least seven times.

“This contributes to suspicion that he is a flight risk; he knows the witnesses in this case and has been communicating with some of the accused,” the State prosecutor said.