JOHANNESBURG- Social media influencer Musa Khawula, 33, has appeared in the Randburg District Court in Johannesburg, facing multiple charges including crimen injuria, contravention of the Cyber Crimes Act of 2020, and hate speech. Khawula’s arrest comes after a series of derogatory social media posts allegedly made between 10 and 12 October 2024.

According to Phindi Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Gauteng, Musa Khawula is accused of posting harmful statements aimed at businessman Zee Nxumalo, 44, with the intention of damaging his reputation. The social media posts, which reportedly had a large following, allegedly harmed Nxumalo’s dignity.

During his court appearance, the State opposed bail, citing Khawula’s involvement in a 2022 murder case in the Western Cape and an outstanding arrest warrant related to reckless and negligent driving. Mjonondwane also noted that further investigation was needed to confirm Khawula’s profile and physical address for the bail application process.

As a result, Khawula has been remanded in custody without bail until 21 January 2025, when his formal bail application will be heard.

Khawula was arrested last week at a tavern in Dundee, KwaZulu-Natal, following a tip-off to the authorities. After a brief court appearance in KwaZulu-Natal, he was transferred to Gauteng to appear before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court. His recent absence from social media had sparked curiosity among his followers, with some speculating about his whereabouts.

In August 2024, Khawula had previously appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court in the Western Cape, where he faced charges related to an alleged murder. Reports from IOL indicate that the blogger, who has built a reputation for stirring controversy online, was serving a 60-day sentence for failing to appear in a Gauteng court earlier in the year.

Khawula’s legal troubles continue to mount as his case progresses.