South African gossip blogger Musa Khawula, can’t catch a break and is back inside a prison cell.
Khawula, 33, appeared before the Randburg District Court in Johannesburg, facing charges of criminal injuria, contravention of Section 19 of the Cyber Crimes Act 19 of 2020 and hate speech.
He has been remanded in custody, without bail until January 21 2025, when a formal bail application will be heard.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, Khawula found himself on the wrong side of the law due to social media posts that were to impair, injure or damage the dignity of businessman Ze Nxumalo, 44.
Khawula on several occasions has posted on social media alleging that Nxumalo was cheating on his wife, former Miss South Africa, Tamaryn Green. He also alleged that the businessman and his friends had sent him fake e-wallets in a bid to silence him.
Khawula had initially claimed to have "receipts" proving the alleged affair but later took to Twitter to retract his statements, citing a lack of evidence in November.
In his apology, he wrote: "I’m in apology hell ... Zesimdumise Nxumalo and Dr Tamaryn Green-Nxumalo, find this one attached for your convenience."
This is not Khawula’s first rodeo behind bars, late last year he found himself in a prison cell, he has an ongoing legal matter in connection with the murder of his then-boyfriend Wandile Khambule. Khambule was stabbed to death at his Goud Street, Ongegund home on March 4, 2022.
Khawula was jailed for 90 days in July last year for contempt of court after he refused to apologise for corruption claims he had levelled against ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula’s wife, Nozuko, and her business partner, Michelle Perrow.
His latest arrest has the public weighing whether Khawula will finally learn his lesson and stop spreading gossip about South Africa’s public figures or whether will he continue when released.
@nitta_buhle said: "The law has to apply and work fairly , even for terrible people like Musa Khawula"
@ThatXolaniGuy said: "Should Musa Khawula face the wrath of the law? YES… Is NPA embarrassing itself? ABSOLUTELY"
@BiGWiZ_ said: "Zee Nxumalo must be a serious grootman, even the NPA is tweeting about Musa Khawula."
@visse_ss·16h said: "FREE MUSA KHAWULA! It’s ironic how the justice system moves swiftly for a blogger but drags its feet for actual criminals looting this country."
@SiyabongaNyeziI said: "honestly don’t care if the reason Musa Khawula is being brought to book is ’cause he messed with someone rich. It’s high time that people know that the lengths they go to spread stories about others have consequences. We need more cases for awareness. I hear no bail too. Good!"
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