Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, flanked by his co-accused, in the dock of the Johannesburg High Court on Monday, where all five pleaded not guilty to 25 charges

A Russian-model AK-47 with serial number 575363.

This is what the state believes is the smoking gun in its case against Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala and his four co-accused, whose trial resumes in the Johannesburg High Court on Tuesday.

The trial started on Monday, with Matlala, flanked by his wife and three alleged accomplices in the dock, pleading not guilty to all 25 charges against them.

The charges included conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, money laundering, fraud and the illegal possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition.