Matlala trial: Ex-station commander testifies on Kekana discharge

A new state witness in the trial against Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and four others has told the High Court in Johannesburg that there was a credible threat of possible violence at Edenvale hospital following the admission of accused number one, Musa Kekana, in 2024.

Former Bramley police station commander Owen King was testifying in a trial within a trial, in which Kekana is fighting to have evidence obtained against him declared inadmissible in court.

Kekana has accused police of acting rogue on the day of his arrest for the alleged murder of Armand Swart.

Kekana, Matlala and their three co-accused are charged with conspiring and attempting to kill Matlala’s former partner, Tebogo Thobejane, businessman Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and music producer Seunkie Mokubung.

King testified that, based on the information he received, he deemed it necessary for Kekana to be discharged and taken back to the police station to prevent any possible violence at the hospital.

“….

My concern was that possibly her staff, or my staff or people at the hospital could be injured …. my request was that the detainee be discharged,” King says.

Vusumuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala and co-accused back in court