Mamelodi Double Murder Accused Abandons Bail, Taxi Boss Assassinated in Marlboro Amidst Widening 'Cat' Matlala Probe

Mamelodi Double Murder Accused Abandons Bail

Tebogo Mnisi, a 38-year-old man accused of the brutal double murder of cousins Tshiamo and Baleseng Moramaga in Mamelodi East Extension 17, has abandoned his bail application. The 21-year-old and 22-year-old cousins were tragically shot in the early hours of a recent Sunday. A friend who was also shot during the incident is currently recovering in hospital. Mnisi was apprehended on Monday at a petrol station and subsequently appeared in the Mamelodi Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, facing two charges of murder and one of attempted murder. He will remain in custody until his next court appearance on January 19, 2026.

Taxi Boss Assassinated in Marlboro

In a separate but equally alarming incident, Molefe Victor Moekeletsi, the Chairperson of the ARMSTA taxi association, was assassinated on Thursday in Marlboro, Johannesburg. Moekeletsi and his bodyguard were ambushed and killed, while four other protectors and two civilians sustained injuries when their vehicle was hit as Moekeletsi attempted to evade his attackers. This incident marks the 40th taxi-related attack recorded in Gauteng this year, highlighting the ongoing violence within the province's taxi industry.

Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala's Connections Under Scrutiny

Meanwhile, alleged crime boss and businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala remains incarcerated after his bail bid appeal was denied by the High Court in Johannesburg. Matlala faces a litany of serious charges, including allegedly ordering a hit on his ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, in October 2023. He is also linked to 10 other attempted murder charges, notably against taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni in August 2022 and Seunkie Mokubung in January 2024. All cases against Matlala are in the process of being centralized for trial.

Investigations into Matlala's extensive network of connections continue to widen. Allegations include:

• A reported visit to former police commissioner Riah Phiyega's home on May 14, which Phiyega denies.
• An alleged payment of R500,000 to suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's ANC presidential campaign.
• Implication in police interference and the R2 billion looting of Tembisa Hospital.
• Past ties to former police minister Bheki Cele, who confirmed staying in a penthouse owned by Matlala.
• Securing a R360 million police health tender through his company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, before the contract was terminated due to fraud allegations. Whistleblower Babita Deokaran reportedly flagged companies linked to him prior to her murder.
• The state has alleged that Matlala provided protection services to the late taxi industry figure Jotham Zanemvula Msibi, who had animosity with taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni. Furthermore, it is alleged that Matlala arranged for a white BMW, used by gunmen in Sibanyoni's shooting, to be stored at his girlfriend's residence.

These concurrent developments underscore the complex and often violent landscape of crime and taxi industry conflicts in South Africa, with law enforcement continuing to pursue justice in multiple high-profile cases.