Chaos Erupts At Cat Matlala Trial Over Defence Access To Accused

Chaos erupted at the Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala trial in the High Court in Johannesburg on Tuesday after defence lawyers complained that court security and members of the political killings task team (PKTT) had prevented them from consulting with their clients.

The disruption occurred shortly after Judge Cassim Moosa postponed the trial-within-a-trial proceedings to Thursday.

Defence lawyers alleged that they were stopped from accessing their clients after the court adjourned, prompting an urgent complaint before the judge.

Kekana’s advocate, Riaan Gissing, told the court that he had experienced what he described as a “blatant refusal” to access his client.

Defence Raises Right To Consult

Gissing said members of the PKTT and uniformed officials intervened after the adjournment and instructed accused number one to go downstairs.

Some of the events occurred outside the courtroom, but the dispute was brought before Moosa.

Vusimuzu Cat Matlala is tired of acting composed, while the lawyers are finishing his money 🤧 pic.twitter.com/Gi0WCyRnMi

— Mnyamani 👑 (@Zikamnyamane) September 8, 2026

“I must say it's the first time since the commencement of the proceedings that I have personally experienced a blatant refusal to consult with accused number one and access to accused number one for reasons unknown to us,” Gissing said.

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He told the court that defence lawyers had previously been able to consult with the accused both in court and in the cells without difficulty.

Gissing said access to clients was essential to ensuring that their constitutional right to a fair trial was protected.

Advocate Annelene van der Heever, representing Matlala, also raised concerns about the conduct of officials following the adjournment.

“I think your Lordship was in court when you heard me banging against the stairs to get them to stop shouting and screaming and bring the accused back so this matter can be dealt with,” she said.

“There's never been an issue. I don't know why suddenly today this happened. The aggression was unnecessary.”

Judge Orders Guaranteed Consultation Time

Moosa acknowledged the disruption and said the commotion had been audible from inside the courtroom.

“It would appear some sort and form of pandemonium broke out in court. It was total disruption within this court. The court could, while waiting outside, hear it,” the judge said.

He noted that counsel had asked for a firm and fair opportunity to consult with their clients.

Moosa subsequently ordered that the accused’s legal representatives be permitted to consult with their respective clients “at all material times”, including when the court adjourned before 4pm.

The judge also warned that anyone unreasonably interfering with the arrangement could face further action.

“If there is unreasonable behaviour on the part of those responsible for ensuring this transpires, then the court will have to take further steps against the responsible individuals,” Moosa said.

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“That behaviour and conduct can be construed to be contemptuous of an order of this form.”

The order effectively guaranteed defence lawyers access to their clients during permitted consultation periods while the trial continues.

Matlala And Co-Accused Face 25 Charges

Kekana is standing trial alongside Matlala, his wife Tsakane Matlala, Tiego Floyd Mabusela and his daughter, Nthabiseng Nzama.

The accused face 25 charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, money laundering and attempted murder.

Among the allegations before the court are the attempted murders of actress Tebogo Thobejane, who is Matlala’s former girlfriend, and taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni.

The accused have not been convicted of the offences and remain entitled to the presumption of innocence.

The trial-within-a-trial is expected to resume on Thursday.