Inside South Africa's wild trend of luxury fashion in the courtroom

IT'S often said that clothes speak volumes, but in the South African legal system lately, they've been positively shouting.

- GERRY CUPIDO

Forget the drab image of grey suits and boring ties; a growing trend sees high-profile accused individuals treating court appearances less like a trial and more like a catwalk, turning the dock into a stage for the latest in designer luxury wear.

This phenomenon has sparked heated debate. Is it a show of defiance, or simply the inability to tone down a lavish lifestyle that many allege was funded through illicit means?

Whatever the reason, these outrageous fashion statements have been making headlines.

The most recent display of courtroom couture belongs to businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, who is facing a serious list of charges, including attempted murder and money laundering, all linked to major corruption scandals and government tender fraud.

Matlala has repeatedly turned his legal dates into style opportunities.