South African gossip blogger and social media personality Musa Khawula has again found himself in legal hot water. Khawula, known for his provocative, often unverifiable posts and sharp-tongued commentary on high-profile personalities, now faces charges of contravening the Cybercrimes Act and Crimen Injuria.
Musa Khawula is behind bars. (Photo: Oupa Bopape via Gallo Images)
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo, Khawula was arrested in KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday, 8 January 2025.
Masondo said, “Police can confirm that the suspect was arrested in KwaZulu-Natal after a warrant of arrest was issued against him. He is expected to appear before the Newcastle Magistrate’s Court, where the matter will be transferred to Gauteng. He is facing a charge of contravention of the Cybercrimes Act.”
On Tuesday evening, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed in a media statement that Khawula had appeared at the Randburg District Court, facing charges of Crimen Injuria, Contravention of Section 19 of the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020 and Hate Speech.
According to NPA Gauteng regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane:
“The accused is alleged to have posted derogatory statements between 10 and 12 October 2024 on his social media platform, which has a substantial following, with the alleged intention of impairing, injuring or damaging the dignity of businessman Ze Nxumalo.”
The state opposed bail citing Khawula’s pending 2022 murder case in the Free State and an outstanding warrant of arrest for reckless and negligent driving. The state also told the court that his profile and physical address still need to be verified for the statement meant to accompany his bail application.
Khawula has been involved in a legal battle with Nxumalo and his pregnant wife, former Miss South Africa Dr Tamaryn Green-Nxumalo.
Speaking to Sunday World, the couple’s lawyer, Vanessa Fernihough, clarified that the recent arrest pertains to a separate charge unrelated to the defamation case in which Khawula was previously embroiled. In that case, the Gauteng High Court ordered Khawula to remove defamatory posts from his social media account and issue a public apology.
City Press reported that on 6 November 2024, Judge Ettian Raubenheimer handed down a verdict compelling Khawula to retract statements he had made about the Nxumalos on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Khawula failed to comply despite the court order, prompting further legal action. The court’s directive explicitly instructed Khawula to delete a particular post in which he alleged that Dr Tamaryn Green-Nxumalo was pictured “with child” while her husband was involved in extramarital affairs.
Fernihough further explained that Khawula’s disregard for the court order played a significant role in the escalation of legal proceedings.
“The respondent (Musa Khawula) is directed to permanently retract and remove the statements made by him on his X account,” read the judgment by Judge Raubenheimer.
Moreover, the court imposed strict conditions barring Khawula from mentioning the Nxumalos’ names on social media or making further allegations against them.
