Cat Matlala Trial: Security Guard Describes His Response to Gunfire in Joe Sibanyoni Ambush Incident
The trial of the suspected underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala resumed on Tuesday in the Johannesburg High Court, featuring a security officer presenting detailed testimony regarding the attempted murder of taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni.
Bethuel Cele, a security officer from Bidvest Protea Security, recounted his experience on duty at Centurion Golf Estate on August 10, 2022, when he came under gunfire. He stated that he returned fire with his 9mm service pistol after gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles allegedly ambushed Sibanyoni shortly after his arrival at the estate.
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Matlala, along with his wife Tsakane Matlala, Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, and Nthabiseng Nzama, is facing 25 charges, including the attempted murders of Sibanyoni, media figure Tebogo Thobejane, and musician Austin “DJ Vettys” Mokobung. All defendants are pleading not guilty.
Details Emerge in Cat Matlala Trial Regarding Joe Sibanyoni Ambush
Cele, who claims nearly two decades of experience in the security field, testified that he was on duty just after 10pm when a red Ferrari drove into the estate, followed closely by a Volkswagen Golf 7.
He stated that a white BMW moving slowly through the estate captured his attention.
“The left-side window was slightly rolled down. The BMW passed by, made a U-turn at the traffic lights, and returned. It then stopped near the Ferrari and Golf 7, whereupon two armed men jumped out wielding AK-47 rifles,” he testified.
“As soon as they exited, they realized I had spotted them. The first shot was aimed at me.”
Cele explained that he and fellow security officer Francis Mazibuko quickly took cover behind a nearby tree as gunfire rained down upon them.
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While seeking cover, Mazibuko reminded him of his firearm and that they could not remain inactive while under attack.
Security Officer Details Gun Battle During Cat Matlala Trial
The trial heard that Cele pulled out his 9mm service pistol and returned fire at the assailants. He testified that he emptied all 15 rounds during the exchange.
Cele claimed he believed he had hit one of the attackers.
“I saw that he had been shot in the stomach. I could see his intestines protruding before he climbed back into the BMW through the window,” he recounted.
He observed that another gunman continued firing at the occupants of the Ferrari and the Volkswagen Golf as the shootout persisted.
“One of them shouted, ‘Die, you dog,’ before opening fire again. I was lying on my stomach while discharging my weapon.”
According to Cele, multiple individuals in the Ferrari and Golf managed to flee deeper into the estate to escape the gunfire.
He indicated that the attackers eventually fled the scene in the white BMW, leaving behind what he described as a chaotic crime scene.
Defence Questions Witness in Cat Matlala Trial
During cross-examination, Musa Kekana’s attorney, Riaan Gissing, probed Cele about the forensic evidence collected post-shooting.
Gissing suggested that if Cele had indeed fired all 15 rounds, investigators should have found 15 spent cartridges along with the corresponding bullets.
Cele acknowledged this and noted that police officers processed the scene before taking possession of his firearm for ballistic testing.
“I returned the firearm to my manager, and it was secured in a safe. The police then collected it for ballistic analysis,” he testified.
Gissing also referenced an earlier police statement in which Cele indicated that only two suspects exited the BMW.
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“I observed three suspects inside the BMW, and only two exited during the shooting,” Gissing read to the court.
Cele maintained that there was no inconsistency in his account.
“The two got out first and began shooting. Once the vehicle came to a halt, the third person also exited and started shooting,” he clarified.
Tensions escalated during questioning by Nthabiseng Nzama’s lawyer, Advocate Timothy Chauke, who criticized Cele’s answers regarding the collection of ballistic evidence.
Chauke objected after Cele remarked that whether the police recovered his bullets was “none of my business”.
“I wouldn’t say that the phrase is derogatory, but I would deem it disrespectful, particularly given the context. While this witness seeks respect, he should extend it to us as well,” Chauke expressed in court.
Cele dismissed the criticism, explaining that the misunderstanding stemmed from his use of isiZulu during testimony.
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“I stated from the beginning that I wished to testify in Zulu. Now, when I’m giving evidence in Zulu, some people may become confused,” Cele explained.
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