Judge warns against ‘another Senzo Meyiwa’ delay in Katiso Molefe case

The ongoing trial of Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala has put brakes in the case of alleged cartel member Katiso “KT” Molefe, whose matter was supposed to start on Monday but has now been postponed to July 2027.

That is because two of the accused in Molefe’s case are also the accused in Matlala’s case. As a result, it was decided at the Johannesburg high court that Molefe’s case will only begin once Matlala’s has concluded.

Le Roux also acknowledged the impact of the delay on the accused, saying the court was “acutely aware” that Molefe, Tau and Mabusela remain in custody.

That’s how it should be so that we can take up other cases and free up court space

the judge said. “It’s not in the interests of anyone, least of all the accused.”

He instructed the legal teams to line up their witnesses and block-book sufficient court time so that the trial could run continuously once it begins.

“If it means the whole year, let it be. Line up your witnesses. That’s how it should be so that we can take up other cases and free up court space,” he said.

The judge also stressed that the lawyers needed to plan their diaries around the trial, saying the court’s efficiency could not be held hostage by other commitments.