Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala's legal team voices concerns over consultation challenges in murder trial
The legal team representing Vusimuzi "Cat Matlala in his attempted murder and money laundering case has voiced its frustration with the costly consultation process following Matala's recent relocation to Kokstad.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala's legal team, led by Advocate Anneline van den Heever, has voiced its dissatisfaction with the challenges posed by her client's recent relocation from Kgosi Mampuru II Maximum prison to the supermaximum eBongweni Correctional Centre in Kokstad.
This comes as the case of attempted murder and money laundering against Matlala, and his four co-accused, has been postponed to February 26 for pre-trial, following their return to the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, on Thursday.
Van der Heever further noted that the postponement will provide them with the necessary time to thoroughly evaluate the State's evidence and disclosures ahead of the trial.
Over the past few months, the case has been marred by challenges stemming from Matlala's recent relocation, with the move having recently sparked concerns among the legal representatives of all co-accused regarding the difficulties in consulting their clients.
"We're going to ask that our client be brought back to Joburg on Monday to finalise the consultation. It is a costly exercise," van den Heever said.
Matlala is facing 11 counts of attempted murder and a string of other charges, stemming from an alleged failed assassination attempt of his former girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, the hit on taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni, and music producer Seunkie "DJ Vetteys" Mokubong.
In his previous court appearance, the matter was postponed to allow Matlala’s legal team time to engage the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) to arrange for him to be transferred back to a prison in Gauteng.
Controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his four co-accused returned to the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, where their matter was postponed to February 26 for pre-trial proceedings.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
On Thursday, Van den Heever further stated that it is not in the interest of justice for her client to be denied the right to access proper legal consultation services, adding that the distance, as well as the volume of documents that need to be analysed, make the process even more complex.
"We ask that this should be done in the interest of justice, My Lord, because I believe it will take a long time to have a proper consultation with him. At least when it comes to the expert issues, we will sit with him and have direct contact with him."
Meanwhile, the court also ordered the DCS to ensure that a consultation room is made available for Matlala’s legal team, free from obstructions.
Matlala's legal team has been granted permission to bring their laptop into Kgosi Mampuru II Prison on February 16 and 17 to facilitate effective consultations.
siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za