JOHANNESBURG - A new witness is expected to take the stand as the trial-within-a-trial in the attempted murder case against Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his co-accused continues.
The proceedings are focused on whether evidence obtained following the arrest of alleged hitman Musa Kekana should be admitted in the main trial.
Kekana is challenging the admissibility of the evidence, alleging that police assaulted and suffocated him while he was in custody.
Matlala, his wife Tsakani, Kekana, Tiego Mabusela and Nthabiseng Nzama face 25 counts linked to alleged botched assassination attempts.
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The court has already heard evidence from Dr Siphelele Mazibuko, who treated Kekana at Edenvale Hospital following his arrest.
Mazibuko testified about Kekana’s time in hospital, where he was handcuffed to a bed and placed under police guard.
The court heard that Kekana allegedly made a call seeking help to have someone remove him from the hospital.
The alleged attempt raised concerns among hospital staff, who feared Kekana could be forcibly removed from the facility.
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Security around the ward was subsequently increased while Kekana remained under guard.
The trial-within-a-trial will determine whether the circumstances surrounding Kekana’s arrest and the evidence allegedly obtained from him meet the legal requirements for admission.
The outcome could have significant implications for the prosecution’s case against Matlala and his co-accused in the attempted murder matter.
The court is expected to hear further evidence as it considers Kekana’s allegations about his treatment in police custody.