Cat Matlala trial: Hospital staff feared plot to help Musa Kekana escape
Hospital staff at Edenvale Hospital implemented strict security measures after fearing a plot to help murder-accused Musa Kekana escape. Court testimony revealed that staff were so concerned about a potential breakout that they restricted access to the ward and requested additional guards.
Why it matters
The case highlights significant security concerns within public health facilities when treating high-profile criminal suspects.
Ask AI 4 min Pictured here is accused number one Musa Kekana
Hospital staff feared someone was coming to help murder accused Musa Kekana escape from his ward after his arrest, so much so that they carried out body checks, restricted access to the floor and asked prison officials for extra guards.
The security measures were recorded in hospital notes placed before the Johannesburg High Court by the defence and revisited by Judge Cassim Moosa on Wednesday.
Dr Ziphelele Mazibuko, the state's seventh witness in the trial-within-a-trial against Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala and his four co-accused, treated Kekana at Edenvale Hospital on April 18 and 19 2024, shortly after his arrest.
Advocate Annelene van den Heever, for Matlala and his wife Tsakani, raised the security notes during her cross-examination.
According to the entry, Kekana could not be moved to Tembisa Hospital.
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