Police praise breakthrough as alleged hitman Cat Matlala faces trial

“On Monday, 20 July 2026, members of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and Gauteng Counter Intelligence Operations will appear before the Gauteng South High Court, where accused persons, including the alleged mastermind of these contract killings, Cat Matlala, will stand trial on the attempted murders of businessman Joe Sibanyoni and five others, media personality Tebogo Thobejane and three others, and musician DJ Vettys and two others,” Mathe said.

Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (Saps), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has praised investigators for driving three high‑profile contract killing cases to trial, with alleged mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala among the accused.“The Acting National Commissioner reiterated her confidence in the work of the Political Killings Task Team, Gauteng Counter Intelligence Operations and all investigators involved in the matter and expressed hope that the trial will result in lengthy prison sentences for those found guilty,” she said.