Cat Matlala trial-within-a-trial resumes over evidence linked to Kekana’s arrest

Businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala's trial-within-trial will continue.

The trial-within-a-trial in the case against alleged crime figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his four co-accused resumed in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg on Monday.

During the proceedings, counsel for co-accused Musa Kekana called University of Pretoria Professor Saaiman to give expert medical evidence relating to injuries Kekana allegedly sustained during an assault and torture following his arrest.

According to a statement released by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Professor Saaiman testified about the possible causes of Kekana coughing up blood, as well as the nature and timing of the medical treatment he received.

The trial-within-a-trial is focused on the admissibility of evidence obtained during Kekana’s arrest, which his legal representative is challenging.

The main trial remains suspended while the court considers whether the disputed evidence can be admitted.

Matlala, Kekana, Tsakani Matlala, Tiego Floyd Mabusela and Zandile Nthabiseng Nzama face a total of 25 charges stemming from three separate alleged attempted-murder incidents that reportedly took place 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 administration of justice.

The matter has been postponed to November 5 for the continuation of the trial-within-a-trial.