Top businessperson seeks warrant of arrest for Musa Khawula over fraud, cheating allegations

Prominent businessman Ze Nxumalo is escalating his efforts to bring influencer and entertainment commentator Musa Khawula to justice, seeking a warrant for his arrest based on allegations of fraud and infidelity. Nxumalo’s legal team filed the application at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on October 21, following Khawula’s refusal to apologize for statements he made on social media earlier this month.

The controversy began when Khawula posted on his X feed on October 12, sharing a photo of Nxumalo’s wife, Dr. Tamaryn Green, along with a caption that read: “Dr Tamaryn Green – Nxumalo with a child whilst her husband Ze Nxumalo is cheating on her.” This post was followed by additional comments from Khawula labeling Nxumalo a fraudster.

In response to the allegations, Nxumalo’s attorneys issued a letter of demand to Khawula, warning him that further legal action would be pursued if he did not retract his statements and issue a public apology. The letter explicitly accused Khawula of misleading the public by claiming Nxumalo had multiple extramarital affairs, including with an individual identified as Ms. Mokoena.

The legal document outlined that Dr. Green Nxumalo had allegedly solicited assistance from friends to send fake e-wallets to prevent Khawula from disclosing Nxumalo’s purported infidelities. The letter further demanded that Khawula retract his statements within two days or face potential charges.

Nxumalo’s letter emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and the consequences of Khawula’s actions: “Take note that, should our client be forced to institute legal proceedings against you, a copy of this letter together with your response will be used in support of the same. There will thus be no doubt you have been made aware of the unlawfulness of your posts and your conduct.”

This is not the first time Khawula has found himself in legal trouble. Previously, he was sentenced to 90 days in jail for contempt of court due to his defiance of a defamation ruling obtained by Nozuko Mbalula, the wife of ANC general secretary Fikile Mbalula. This ruling barred Khawula from making further scandalous allegations against her on social media.

In a ruling by Acting Judge Karen Beyers at the Johannesburg High Court on July 30, Khawula faced consequences for spreading corruption allegations against Nozuko. He had failed to comply with the court’s orders, which had mandated him to apologize for his statements suggesting that she had engaged in corrupt practices to secure lucrative government tenders worth R150 million between 2013 and 2019.

The situation underscores the increasing tension between public figures and social media commentators, particularly regarding the implications of unverified claims made online. Nxumalo’s decision to pursue legal action reflects a broader trend of public figures defending their reputations against what they perceive as harmful misinformation.

Khawula’s track record suggests he may face significant legal challenges ahead, especially if he continues to defy court orders and disregard warnings from other individuals he has publicly targeted. The legal ramifications of such online behavior serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of spreading allegations without credible evidence.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Khawula will comply with Nxumalo’s demands or continue to challenge the allegations made against him. With public sentiment increasingly aware of the power dynamics at play in social media interactions, the case could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future.

In the court of public opinion, the stakes are high, and the implications for both Nxumalo and Khawula are profound. As they navigate these turbulent waters, the outcome may influence not only their personal and professional lives but also the way social media interactions are perceived and regulated within the broader context of defamation and public discourse.