Tebogo Thobejane pleas for privacy as ex-boyfriend's attempted murder bail hearing postponed
It was yet another brief appearance at the Alexandra Magistrates' Court on Monday, 19 May.
Appearing for the second time in the case of his alleged plot to murder socialite and actress Tebogo Thobejane, Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala stood bold in an all-black outfit.
Matlala was arrested on 14 May in Midrand by a crime intelligence unit after a two-year-long investigation into an incident that took place at a Sandton club.
In October 2023, Tebogo was outside Saints Champagne Lounge with her friend and her driver when three hit-men fired multiple shots at them, leaving her unscathed but her friend wheelchair-bound.
Two of the hitmen, Musa Kekana and Floyd Mabusela, were then arrested about a year later, marking a breakthrough in the case.
In a recent statement by Tebogo, she laments how difficult the past two years have been.
'One of the hardest parts of this entire experience has been facing the people who were with me that night - the ones who were hurt alongside me. I've had to find the strength to express my sorrow to their families, and to live with the pain that they were affected because of a situation tied to me. It's something that stays with me everyday.'
She adds that she's on a journey of healing and is thankful for the grace and support she's received.
'Despite everything, I remain incredibly grateful to the family for showing me grace, compassion and not placing blame where there is already so much hurt. I will continue to pray for them and support their healing too.'
More than anything, she's hopeful that justice will prevail.
Meanwhile, the man behind it all is set to remain in police custody until his formal bail hearing set to sit on 30 May.
Both the state and Matlala's attorneys agreed upon this in the last appearance due to electricity problems.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirms the postponement.
'The Alexandra Magistrates' Court has postponed Vusimuzi Matlala's (49) bail application to 30 May 2025, for a formal bail hearing, following an agreement between both parties due to the unavailability of electricity.'
The NPA concluded by saying that the accused will remain in custody pending his formal bail application.
It was also revealed that Matlala would be represented by a new legal team.
Speaking to Drum on the sidelines, Matlala's previous attorney advocate Cyril Mlotshwa confirmed that Matlala's family have appointed a new instructing attorney.
'We are from outside the jurisdiction (KZN) so we are not familiar with these surroundings, so it makes sense.'
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