Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, an alleged crime kingpin, appeared in the Johannesburg High Court with four co-accused, including his wife Tsakani Matlala, on Thursday. Matlala faces 11 counts of attempted murder linked to multiple high-profile shootings. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it is satisfied with assurances from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) that alleged crime kingpinVusimuzi “Cat” Matlalawill be able to attend court proceedings and consult with his legal team, despite being held at a super-maximum security facility in KwaZulu-Natal.
NPA Gauteng spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the prosecution would not interfere in decisions made by correctional services, as long as Matlala’s constitutional rights were respected. “As the NPA, we cannot go into the purview of correctional services and comment on issues of detainees,” Mjonondwane said on Thursday after Matlala’s first pre-trial appearance in the Johannesburg High Court. “Our role is to ensure that he is subjected to a fair trial and that he attends court.” She said DCS had undertaken, in a statement released in December, that detainees would attend court without hindrance and that legal processes would continue as required. “So we are satisfied with the word from correctional services that Mr Matlala will be able to attend court proceedings and that consultations between him and his legal representatives will proceed accordingly,” she said.
