Matlala Allegedly Posed As Eswatini Royal Family Member In Property Fraud Case

The state alleges that businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala presented himself as a member of the Eswatini royal family to secure property, using the name Vusimuzi Dlamini.

The allegations form part of a fraud case in which Matlala, his wife Tsakane Matlala and two other accused face charges linked to allegedly fraudulent documents used to acquire properties in Gauteng.

According to the state, Matlala allegedly used fraudulent documentation, including a purported R95,000-a-month lease for a property in Waterkloof. He also faces an additional charge under the Identification Act.

The allegations were outlined as Tsakane Matlala, Given Makofane and Claudette Masethe appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. All three were granted bail of R20,000 each.

State Alleges Royal Family Identity Was Used

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the state alleges that Matlala claimed royal family membership to demonstrate his ability to pay for the property.

“He portrayed himself as a member of the royal family so that he can be able to prove to the estate agency that he would have funds to pay for the property,” Mahanjana said.

Police say the wider investigation concerns allegations that fraudulent documents were used both to acquire properties across Gauteng and to obtain citizenship in Eswatini.

The claims against the accused remain allegations and have not yet been tested in court.

Three Co-Accused Granted Bail

The court granted bail to Tsakane Matlala, Makofane and Masethe, subject to conditions including weekly reporting to police and a prohibition on contacting state witnesses.

The matter involving the three accused has been postponed to 29 October.

Matlala’s individual bail application is scheduled to be heard on 14 and 15 October.

Case Separate From High Court Proceedings

The new fraud matter is separate from a High Court case in which Cat and Tsakane Matlala are also co-accused.

The state’s allegations in the magistrates’ court proceedings concern the alleged use of fraudulent documents and identities in connection with property transactions and Eswatini citizenship.

The accused have not been convicted of the allegations.