JOHANNESBURG - The legal battle surrounding the attempted murder case against Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his co-accused enters another phase this week.
The focus shifts to allegations of police brutality and the admissibility of evidence.
The State is expected to call two key witnesses: the investigating officer and a former commander of the Bramley police station.
READ: Kekana hospital drama takes centre stage in Matlala trial
Their testimony comes as alleged hitman Musa Kekana challenges the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Matlala, his wife Tsakani, Kekana, Tiego Mabusela and Nthabiseng Nzama face 25 counts linked to alleged botched assassination attempts.
Kekana has told the court that police assaulted and suffocated him during his arrest.
READ | 'Cat' Matlala Trial | Dispute over transfer of alleged hitman to police cells
He further alleges that he was discharged from hospital prematurely after pressure was allegedly applied by the former station commander.
These claims form part of a “trial within a trial” — a separate legal process to determine whether evidence obtained during Kekana’s arrest was lawfully gathered and can be admitted in the main attempted murder trial.
The court must ultimately decide whether that evidence can be used against Kekana and the other accused as the State’s case continues.
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