Cat Matlala attempted murder trial stalls over disputed evidence
· The South African
The attempted murder trial of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and four co-accused has resumed in the Gauteng High Court, but the main case remains on hold while the court decides whether disputed evidence can be admitted.
Proceedings resumed in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg after the August court recess.
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The court is currently hearing a trial-within-a-trial linked to evidence obtained during the arrest of accused Musa Kekana.
Kekana’s lawyer is challenging the admissibility of that evidence.
Main trial remains suspended
Until the court rules on the challenge, the main trial against Matlala, Tsakani Matlala, Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela and Zandile Nthabiseng Nzama cannot continue.
The five accused face 25 charges linked to three separate alleged attempted murder incidents between August 2022 and January 2024.
The charges include conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition, money laundering and fraud.
They also face an alternative charge of defeating or attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
“The State continues to lead evidence in the trial-within-a-trial. Medical doctor Dr Panicker testified regarding allegations by Kekana that he was assaulted and tortured following his arrest, as well as the nature and timing of the medical treatment he received,” the NPA said in a statement.
Court to decide whether evidence can be used
The trial-within-a-trial will determine whether evidence obtained during Kekana’s arrest can form part of the State’s case.
A ruling in the State’s favour would allow prosecutors to rely on the disputed material when the main trial resumes.
If the court excludes the evidence, prosecutors will have to continue without it.
The case has attracted attention because of the seriousness of the charges against Matlala and his co-accused, with the trial expected to continue once the admissibility issue has been finalised.