Alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala has withdrawn the plea and sentence agreement he recently reached with the State.
Matlala’s legal representative confirmed the withdrawal during proceedings in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Monday.
The matter was postponed to 11 September.
During the hearing, Magistrate Ignatius du Preez addressed Matlala and his co-accused regarding the decision to abandon the agreement.
“I’ve been informed by counsel on your behalf, in respect of yourself, accused 2 and 3, that it is your choice to withdraw from the plea and sentence agreement as you decline to accept the court’s recommended sentence. Do you confirm, in respect of yourself, that is the position?”
After the accused confirmed the decision, the magistrate stated:
“Thank you. The plea and sentence agreement is then to be regarded as null and void.”
Under the agreement, Matlala had pleaded guilty to fraud, corruption and money laundering
The withdrawal means the agreement is no longer in effect, and the case will proceed through the normal court process when it returns to court in September.