Cat Matlala allegedly posed as Eswatini royalty to secure R95k home

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala allegedly posed as Eswatini royalty and used another identity to secure a luxury Waterkloof property costing R95 000 a month, the State claims.

Prosecutors allege Matlala used the name Vusimuzi Dlamini and presented himself as a member of Eswatini’s royal family when applying for the Pretoria property.

The allegations emerged in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, where Matlala appeared alongside his wife, Tsakane Matlala, his sister Claudette Masethe, and Given Makofane on fraud-related charges.

State details alleged Waterkloof lease fraud

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the State alleges Matlala portrayed himself as Eswatini royalty to show that he could afford the R95 000-a-month lease.

Investigators allege the accused submitted fraudulent documents, including falsified bank statements, during the property application.

The State also claims Matlala used an Eswatini identity document.

Police are investigating allegations involving property transactions in Gauteng and efforts to obtain citizenship in Eswatini.

Matlala also faces a charge under the Identification Act.

The court has not yet tested the allegations.

Three co-accused granted R20k bail

The court granted Tsakane Matlala, Masethe and Makofane R20 000 bail each on Wednesday.

The State opposed bail only for Matlala.

The court ordered the three to report to police weekly and barred them from contacting State witnesses.

They are due back in court on 29 October.

Matlala remains in custody and is expected to bring a separate bail application on 14 and 15 October.

The fraud allegations form part of a separate criminal matter from other cases involving Matlala and his wife.