Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, the alleged crime figure currently behind bars for the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, is facing yet another major legal setback. The businessman, who has made headlines for his alleged criminal ties and explosive testimony before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, is now being sued for more than R250,000 in outstanding rent for office space in Menlyn, Pretoria.
According to reports, Menlyn Maine Towers — the property where Matlala rented office space — has filed a lawsuit against him at the Gauteng High Court in Tshwane. Court papers indicate that Matlala accumulated an outstanding debt of **R258,890**, allegedly due to a cashflow crisis that began in June 2024. The landlord claims Matlala went months without paying rent, prompting legal action to recover the debt.
This lawsuit adds to a growing list of legal challenges Matlala is currently facing. In May 2025, he was arrested and charged with the attempted murder of actress and social media personality **Tebogo Thobejane**, who is also his former girlfriend. Matlala and his wife, Tsakani, were both taken into custody in connection with the attack. While Tsakani was released on R20,000 bail, Matlala has remained in detention at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre.
Efforts to secure his release have repeatedly failed. In November, his case was transferred to the Johannesburg High Court after his lawyer, Victor Nkhwashu, withdrew representation. Prior to this, the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court denied him bail, ruling that he posed a potential flight risk.
Matlala’s legal troubles intensified further when he appeared before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee between 26 and 28 November 2025. The committee was established to investigate claims of widespread corruption within the South African criminal justice system. Multiple witnesses had implicated him in alleged acts of bribery, police interference, and links to high-ranking officials.
During his testimony, Matlala made a series of explosive allegations. He claimed he had bribed former police minister **Bheki Cele** and held clandestine meetings with KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner **General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi**, who allegedly sought favours and shared confidential investigative information with him. Matlala also detailed close relationships with senior police figures, including EMPD deputy chief **Julius Mkhwanazi** and KZN Hawks boss **General Lesetja Senona**, whom he described as being “like a brother.”
His claims drew strong reactions from political leaders and anti-corruption activists. Democratic Alliance MP **Glynnis Breytenbach** stated that Matlala’s testimony exposed “decades of rot” in the justice system. She argued that Matlala had long “lived a charmed life,” pointing out that many criminal cases against him were previously withdrawn under questionable circumstances.
As Matlala remains in custody awaiting further trial proceedings, the civil case over the unpaid Menlyn rent adds to his mounting financial and legal pressures. With corruption allegations, high-level political implications, and unresolved criminal charges, his troubles continue to widen — both inside and outside the courtroom.
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