Testimony at the Madlanga Commission has revealed that alleged criminal Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala allegedly paid R150,000 for a failed assassination attempt on his ex-girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane. The 2023 attack left Thobejane injured and another woman paralysed.

Witness C told the commission on 30 October 2025 that Matlala arranged the payments in two instalments R50,000 days before the 12 July 2023 shooting, and R100,000 the day after through a business account belonging to Nthabiseng Nzama, the daughter of one of Matlala’s co-accused, Floyd Tiego Mahusela.

Matlala was arrested May 2025, in a high-profile operation in Midrand, and formally charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to kill and money-laundering linked to the 2023 plot against Thobejane.

His wife Tsakani, and three others also face charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering.

The attack occurred on the N1 highway near Sandton, Johannesburg, leaving Thobejane shot in the foot, while a passenger suffered a spinal injury that resulted in paralysis. Due to ongoing safety fears, Thobejane has fled South Africa.

The commission also heard claims linking Matlala to drug trafficking, money lending, and the disappearance of businessman Jerry Boshoga. He has previously secured a R360 million SAPS contract, later cancelled, and reportedly funded political campaigns.

Matlala’s bail application has been denied several times over concerns he posed a flight risk and danger to the public.

Proceedings against him and his co-accused have been postponed to 11 November 2025.