Musa Khawula
Musa Khawula, a figure known for his contentious comments on social media, reportedly faced arrest due to pressure from the office of former deputy police minister Cassel Mathale, as revealed in testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
A witness, referred to as Witness F, informed the commission that police were ordered to swiftly carry out a warrant for Khawula’s arrest on charges of crimen injuria, following grievances from ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and businessman Ze Nxumalo.
As per the witness, this directive circumvented standard law enforcement procedures and originated directly from a political source.
“I received a call from [suspended deputy police commissioner Lt-Gen Shadrack] Sibiya telling me the matter was of importance and there was pressure from the deputy minister’s office,” Witness F testified.
The warrant was issued shortly after Khawula made public allegations against suspected cartel member Vusi “Cat” Matlala on X. The witness acknowledged forwarding the warrant to Matlala to assist the police in finding Khawula, to which Matlala responded with “Asbonge” [Thank you].
Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC, leading the evidence for the commission, inquired about the source of the pressure, to which Witness F replied: “Cassel Mathale.”
The charges in the warrant were based on allegations from Mbalula and Nxumalo.
In October 2024, Khawula had made derogatory claims about Nxumalo, asserting: “Dr Tamaryn Green-Nxumalo is with child while her husband Ze Nxumalo is cheating on her,” leading Nxumalo to demand a retraction or face potential criminal proceedings.
The inquiry also revisited Khawula’s previous legal challenges.
In July 2024, he served a 90-day sentence for contempt of court after ignoring a defamation ruling secured by Nozuko Mbalula, which prohibited him from posting corruption allegations about her on social media.
