Underworld Figure “CAT” Matlala Case Postponed
Cat Matlala’s case postponed to November. (Kwena Molekwa)
by Mathipa Phishego
The alleged underworld kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala will have to wait a little longer before his day in court, after the Johannesburg High Court on Tuesday postponed his case to 11 November 2025.
According to Eyewitness News (EWN), the State requested additional time to centralise various investigations linked to Matlala a move prosecutors say is crucial to ensure all related criminal matters are heard together.
Matlala, long alleged to be at the centre of a sprawling network involving drug trafficking, extortion and money laundering, made a brief appearance under tight security. The courtroom was packed with journalists, law enforcement officials, and members of the public curious to see one of South Africa’s most infamous alleged crime bosses.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) told the court it is working to combine several pending dockets from different provinces. “Given the complexity and interconnected nature of these matters, it is in the interest of justice that they be heard together,” a senior prosecutor said.
Matlala’s legal team, criticised the delay arguing that their client has been in custody for months without progress. “The State cannot continue to rely on administrative delays to justify the prolonged detention of an accused,” defence lawyer Tebogo Maseko said after proceedings.
The consolidation involves cases tied to fraudulent security contracts, illicit firearm possession, and alleged links to corrupt officials within law enforcement. The postponement comes amid renewed national attention on organised crime, with several high-profile arrests following testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into police corruption and political interference.
As Matlala was led back to the holding cells, he remained silent, flashing a brief smirk at the cameras a gesture that has become symbolic of his defiant reputation. The case is expected to return to court on 11 November, when prosecutors are set to outline how the consolidated charges will proceed.
