Jailed blogger Musa Khawula appears in court wearing orange prison clothes, tries messing up with the magistrate

VREDENBURG – The infamous social media personality, Musa Khawula, found himself back in the spotlight this week, this time facing the stern gaze of the Vredenburg Magistrates Court.

Khawula, known for his controversial and often scathing commentary on South African celebrities, was once again thrust into the legal system, this time facing a murder charge and a 60-day prison sentence for failing to appear in a Gauteng court.

His appearance in court on Tuesday, 20 August, marked a stark contrast to his previous appearances. Gone was the confident, outspoken blogger, replaced by a subdued figure clad in the familiar orange prison overalls. The once vibrant personality was now subdued, his usual bravado seemingly dampened by the weight of the charges against him.

The brief court appearance was dominated by a postponement, with the case being adjourned until 2 September. This postponement was granted to allow Khawula to secure legal representation, as his previous lawyer had abandoned him, leaving him in a precarious legal position.

Khawula’s current predicament stems from his arrest on 9 July at the Vredenburg Magistrates Court during a previous appearance for the murder charge. The arrest was related to a separate civil matter that had landed him in hot water with a Gauteng court.

His attempt to address the court directly on 7 August, seeking clarification on the circumstances of his arrest, was swiftly dismissed by Magistrate Paulette Da Rocha-Boltney. She firmly instructed him to direct his queries through his temporary legal representative, leaving him with little room for manoeuvre.

The murder charge against Khawula is a serious one, alleging that he fatally stabbed his ex-boyfriend, Wandile Khambule, in March 2022. The alleged incident unfolded at the house of Khambule’s girlfriend, where the two former lovers were reportedly enjoying themselves.

A heated argument erupted between the pair, allegedly over an undisclosed matter. Khambule’s girlfriend, seeking to de-escalate the situation, reportedly asked them to move outside to resolve their differences. However, moments later, screams were heard, with witnesses pleading with Khawula to stop stabbing Khambule.

The details of the incident remain unclear, with the investigation ongoing. However, the allegations have cast a dark shadow over Khawula’s public persona, further complicating his already turbulent legal journey.

Adding to the complexity of his situation is the ongoing civil case that landed him in prison. While the exact nature of this case remains shrouded in secrecy, it’s believed to be related to his controversial use of social media.

Two months ago, Nozuko Mbalula, the wife of ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, and her business partner, Michelle Perrow, obtained an interdict against Khawula, effectively silencing his voice on Twitter.

This interdict was a direct response to Khawula’s penchant for making inflammatory and often unsubstantiated claims about the pair, causing significant distress and reputational damage.

The interdict, while a legal victory for Mbalula and Perrow, highlighted the potential consequences of Khawula’s online behaviour. It also raised questions about the boundaries of free speech and the responsibility of social media users to exercise caution and restraint in their online interactions.

Khawula’s legal troubles are far from over. The upcoming court appearance on 2 September will be a pivotal moment in his journey, as he faces the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence and the potential for further legal action.

The outcome of this case will have a significant impact on his career and public image, leaving many to wonder if the once-vocal blogger will ever regain his former prominence.