Designer drip in the dock: Inside South Africa’s wild trend of luxury fashion in the courtroom
Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala in a Fendi shirt.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
It’s often said that clothes speak volumes, but in the South African legal system lately, they’ve been positively shouting.
Forget the drab image of grey suits and boring ties; a growing trend sees high-profile accused individuals treating court appearances less like a trial and more like a catwalk, turning the dock into a stage for the latest in designer luxury wear.
This phenomenon has sparked heated debate. Is it a show of defiance, or simply the inability to tone down a lavish lifestyle that many allege was funded through illicit means?
Whatever the reason, these outrageous fashion statements have been making headlines.
From Burberry to Fendi
The most recent display of courtroom couture belongs to businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, who is facing a serious list of charges, including attempted murder and money laundering, all linked to major corruption scandals and government tender fraud.
Matlala has repeatedly turned his legal dates into style opportunities.
When he appeared before the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court and was seen around his bail hearings, he was often noted for his impeccable designer suits, including a notable Dolce and Gabbana jacket.
Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala in a Dolce & Gabbana suit.
Image: X/@Ntshekzan
It was a clear and unmissable signal that even when facing trial, his taste and wealth remain utterly untainted.
While more subdued, this display of wealth continued during his recent appearance before a parliamentary ad hoc committee to give evidence in a corruption inquiry.
Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala wore Burberry when testifying in the Ad Hoc Committee at the Kgoši Mampuru Correctional Centre.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
Making headlines like “The Cat Wears Fendi”, his head-to-toe ensemble screamed expense.
His all-black Fendi outfit and neutral-toned Burberry look went viral on social media.
And if his designer shirt, trousers and shoes were not enough, Matlala was also spotted wearing a Rolex Submariner Date watch.
Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala wore an all-black Fendi outfit.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
Casually Louis Vuitton
The case of convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester, who faked his own death to escape prison, captivated the nation.
The shock was compounded by his appearance after his re-arrest.
When Bester made a virtual court appearance in June 2023, his attire immediately overshadowed the seriousness of the charges he was facing, which included fraud and escaping lawful custody.
Thabo Bester wearing a distinctive black-patterned white Louis Vuitton sweater.
Image: Twitter
Everyone was expecting him to be wearing a prison uniform, but instead he wore a boldly branded black and white Louis Vuitton designer top that could easily cost R20,000 or more.
Later, during other appearances, he was spotted wearing a Burberry hoodie.
The contrast between the accusations and the casual, expensive streetwear was shocking.
This led to questions about how he could afford such an expensive wardrobe while in maximum security custody.
Thabo Bester appeared in a black Burberry hoodie.
Image: Twitter
Boldly Gucci
While not accused of corruption in these instances, Julius Malema, who often wears high-end designer wear, once said: “What I wear does not influence my political consciousness and commitment to the revolution.”
In various appearances, including those related to firearm discharge charges stemming from an incident at a 2018 rally, Malema has been seen sporting accessories and clothing from luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
Unlike the accused who wear these labels in a fairly subtle manner, Malema’s designer choices are loud and in your face.
Julius Malema often sports designer wear.
Image: EFF
While social justice and accountability are front and centre in our country, the trend of wearing unashamedly expensive luxury wear in court does raise uncomfortable questions.
Why, when facing such public scrutiny, would you rub your wealth in people's faces?