Past Alleged Crimes Haunt Musa Khawula As He Faces Ze Nxumalo Charges

Controversial blogger Musa Khawula faces charges linked to his alleged social media posts about businessman Ze Nxumalo full name Zesimdumise Ndwandwe Nxumalo - and his past alleged crimes have returned to haunt him too.

Earlier this week, the 33-year-old appeared at the Randburg district court on charges of crimen injuria, contravention of section 19 of the Cyber Crimes Act 19 of 2020 and hate speech.

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 Zee Nxumalo, Phindi Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in Gauteng, said in a statement on Tuesday 14 January.

In court, the state opposed bail due to the accuseds pending 2022 murder case in Free State and an outstanding warrant of arrest for reckless and negligent driving.

Additionally, the state needs to verify Khawulas profile and physical address to enable the compilation of a comprehensive statement for bail application purposes.

This means that he remains in custody without bail until next Tuesday 21 January, when a formal bail application will be heard.

In October last year, Khawula alleged on X that Nxumalo was cheating on his wife, former Miss South Africa Dr Tamaryn Green. He also alleged that Dr Green was soliciting Nxumalos friends to send him Khawula fake e-wallets to stop him from spreading the purported affairs.

Nxumalo subsequently sent the blogger a legal letter of demand to retract the claims or face charges. Following Khawulas sarcastic apology, a dissatisfied Nxumalo sought an arrest warrant against him.

Last year, the Johannesburg high court also sentenced Khawula to 90 days in jail for contempt of court. He had earlier defied a court order barring him from spreading allegations against ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalulas wife, Nozuko Mbalula.