Overview
- Magistrate Syta Prinsloo ruled Matlala remains in custody, finding a flight risk, danger to witnesses and the public, and no exceptional circumstances for release.
- The case was postponed to October 7 as investigations continue, with the NPA indicating further charges may follow.
- SAPS says movement-control records show an April 2024 border crossing into Eswatini and no recorded return, alongside allegations he holds a Swazi identity document.
- Police report three seized firearms — an AK‑47 and two pistols — forensically link to 18 murder and attempted murder cases, including attempts on taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni and DJ Vettys.
- Matlala faces charges tied to the October 2023 shooting of Tebogo Thobejane; he denies the allegations and intends to plead not guilty, while the NPA and SAPS welcomed the bail refusal.