BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – South African authorities have allegedly uncovered a scheme in which controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala purportedly presented himself as a member of the Eswatini royal family in an attempt to secure a luxury home costing about E95 000 per month.
The allegation emerged during court proceedings in South Africa, where the State reportedly told the court that Matlala used claims of royal connections to demonstrate his financial standing and ability to afford the high-end Waterkloof property.
According to South African media reports, the State alleges that Matlala used the name Vusimuzi Dlamini and represented himself as being connected to the Eswatini royal family.
The claims formed part of the State’s case concerning Matlala’s alleged dealings and his efforts to secure the upmarket property.
The property, situated in the affluent Waterkloof area of Pretoria, reportedly carried a monthly rental of approximately E95 000.
The State’s version is that Matlala’s alleged portrayal of himself as Eswatini royalty was used to bolster his credibility and demonstrate that he had the financial means to take up residence in the expensive property.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and Matlala remains entitled to the presumption of innocence.
The development has nevertheless brought Eswatini into the South African court proceedings through the alleged use of the country’s royal identity as part of the representation attributed to Matlala.
South African publication The South African reported on September 24 that Matlala allegedly posed as Eswatini royalty in connection with efforts to secure the property.
Another South African publication, The Johannesburg Times, similarly reported that the State alleges Matlala claimed to be a member of the Eswatini royal family.
The reports add another dimension to the ongoing legal scrutiny surrounding the businessman, with the alleged use of an Eswatini royal identity now featuring in the evidence presented by South African authorities.
The court will ultimately determine whether the allegations made against Matlala are proven.
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