Actress, entrepreneur and podcaster Tebogo Thobejane made a striking appearance at the Johannesburg High Court as the long-awaited trial of her former boyfriend, alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, officially got underway.
Matlala appeared alongside four co-accused, pleading not guilty to all 25 charges listed in the indictment, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, fraud, money laundering and the illegal possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition. The attempted murder charges carry the possibility of life imprisonment if convicted.
Thobejane, who is the complainant in one of the alleged hit plots, attended proceedings from the public gallery, where her appearance quickly drew attention both inside and outside the courtroom.
Courtroom Appearance Sparks Online Conversation
Dressed in a tailored navy blue suit paired with a lace top, Thobejane opted for a sophisticated yet fashion-forward look. Complementing the outfit with minimal makeup and understated accessories, she showcased an elegant style that quickly became a talking point on social media.
Photos and videos from the courthouse circulated widely online, with many users praising her confidence and composure. Others, however, questioned whether the outfit was appropriate for a court appearance, sparking debate over courtroom fashion and personal expression.
Despite the mixed reactions, supporters applauded Thobejane for showing strength while attending proceedings involving a case that dramatically altered her life.
Reflecting on a Life-Changing Moment
Following the court proceedings, Thobejane shared videos from the courthouse alongside a throwback clip showing the aftermath of the 2023 shooting in which her vehicle was riddled with bullets during an apparent assassination attempt.
Accompanying the post, she reflected on the significance of the day and expressed gratitude for surviving the incident.
“I will never forget this day. It changed my life forever. Today I stand with nothing but gratitude. To God, my ancestors and everyone who prayed for me, thank you.
“People can say whatever they want, but they’ll never walk in my shoes. I survived what many thought I never would. My story didn’t end that day. It began.”
Her emotional message resonated with many followers, who flooded the comments with words of encouragement and support.
The State’s Case
According to the State, Matlala and his co-accused allegedly orchestrated three separate murder plots between August 2022 and January 2024. Prosecutors allege that the intended targets were taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, actress Tebogo Thobejane, and music producer Seunkie “DJ Vetteys” Mokubong.
Matlala is standing trial alongside alleged gunmen Musa Kekana and Tiego Floyd Mabusela, as well as his wife, Tsakani Matlala, and co-accused Nthabiseng Zandile Nzama.
The accused have denied all charges.
Inside the Courtroom
For the proceedings, Matlala appeared dressed in a grey suit, white shirt and black tie. His wife, Tsakani Matlala, sat beside him wearing a brown blazer and designer glasses.
Of the five accused, Kekana, Mabusela and Matlala remain in custody, while Tsakani Matlala and Nzama have been released on bail pending the outcome of the trial.
The case is expected to draw significant public attention as proceedings continue, given the serious nature of the allegations and the high-profile individuals involved. For Thobejane, the trial represents another chapter in a journey she has described as one of survival, resilience and healing after surviving an attack that she says changed her life forever.
