High Court Postpones Matlala Attempted Murder Trial to June 30

Unpaid fees for accused number one’s lawyer prompted the pause with the judge warning further delays could prejudice detained co‑accused.

Overview

At a Johannesburg High Court hearing on Wednesday the judge adjourned the attempted murder trial to June 30 so accused number one, Musa Kekana, can resolve funding for his lawyer Joe Strauss.
The accused face attempted murder charges over a reported botched assassination attempt that targeted socialite Tebogo Thobejane, businessman Joe Sibanyoni and music producer DJ Vettys.
Judge William Karam warned the court would not tolerate indefinite delays and said further adjournments would harm co‑accused, especially those who remain in custody.
Prosecutors and one media report say the court has set July 20 as the firm trial start date while keeping June 30 as a check on whether Kekana’s legal funding is in place.
Watch for the June 30 return when the court may require proof of funding or hold defendants to earlier assurances about legal representation, a decision that will affect how quickly the high‑profile case proceeds.