PRETORIA - Any hopes of immediate freedom for alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala have been dashed.
Matlala has abandoned his bid for bail in his property and lease fraud case.
It was a brief appearance in the Pretoria Magistrates Court for Matlala as his latest court case sees him charged with fraud, forgery and uttering. These charges are linked to a R95,000 rental lease for a property in Waterkloof.
The state alleges Matlala and his wife, Tsakane, used fraudulent documents, including bank statements and a fake an eSwatini identity document, to secure the lease.
While his co-accused have already walked out on R20,000 bail, Matlala has made a U-turn on his own attempt.
The National Prosecuting Authority will now focus on getting the matter ready for trial.
While investigations are being finalised, Matlala and his co-accused will be back in court on 29 October.
eNCA Senior reporter Silindelo Sebata has more details in the video above.