Johannesburg – Social media blogger Musa Khawula made a brief appearance at the Randburg Magistrates Court on Thursday, 27 February, facing a string of charges including hate speech, crimen injuria, and violations of the Cyber Crimes Act. The 33-year-old Khawula, known for his often controversial and outspoken online presence, appeared subdued during the proceedings, keeping his head down.
His lawyer, Ofentse Nkgwang, addressed the court, requesting copies of the docket to properly prepare for the upcoming trial. "We need the docket to start preparing for the trial," Nkgwang stated.
This appearance follows Khawula's previous court date on 18 February, when the matter was transferred to the trial court. However, proceedings were subsequently postponed to allow for further consultations between Khawula and his legal team.
Nkgwang explained that the postponement was necessary due to difficulties in obtaining the necessary documents. "We couldn't get the docket because the state's scanners weren't working. We've made arrangements to get the documents scanned and sent to us."
In a notable development, Khawula's legal team has confirmed that they will not be applying for bail. "We've abandoned the bail application. Our focus is on preparing for the trial," Nkgwang clarified.
Adding to his legal woes, Khawula is also scheduled to appear in the Fochville Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 18 March, in connection with a separate attempted murder case.
Despite the seriousness of the charges against him, Khawula has not shied away from engaging with his followers on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). In a recent update, he claimed that significant events have transpired since his arrest in January. "So much has transpired since 13 January 2025," he wrote.
Khawula alluded to foul play, suggesting that his legal troubles are the result of external interference. He implied that businessman Zee Nxumalo, whom Khawula had previously accused of infidelity, had a hand in his continued detention.
He further claimed that he was approached by "corrupt officers" who solicited money from him. However, he stated that he was unable to meet their demands. "A b&*ch is always broke obviously we couldn't match or offer more to the nasty officer," he wrote.
Khawula also took aim at ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, another frequent target of his online attacks.
"With 'Mr I didn't cheat on my pregnant wife' (Zee Nxumalo) having opened the initial case, we've seen 'the youthful man of the ruling party with grey hair who got circumcised at the age of 41 due to peer pressure' add his case also stating that his wife suffered so much bullying by us publishing that his wife and her criminal friends indeed stealth (sic) about 45 million from the state hence they are being investigated by the state," he added.
Amidst his claims of corruption and external interference, Khawula acknowledged his precarious financial situation. While stating that he was hesitant to ask for assistance, he made a direct appeal to his followers for financial support. "If you are in a position to donate some coins, here are my account details…." he wrote, providing his banking information.
