Grammy-winning DJ Black Coffee’s company is actively pursuing legal action against Maserati South Africa, following the authorization of a writ of execution that grants authorities the ability to seize and sell the automaker’s movable assets. This action represents a significant escalation in what began as a dispute over luxury vehicles.
The writ issued on 17 August directs a sheriff to locate and seize movable property belonging to Casa Vehicle Holdings, operating as Maserati SA, and to sell it at public auction if necessary. The total recovery amount is established at R7.735 million, which consists of a R7 million judgment debt along with R735,000 in interest that has accrued at a rate of 10.5% per annum from 22 August 2025.
Reasons for DJ Black Coffee’s lawsuit against Maserati
Black Coffee, whose full name is Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo, purchased two high-end vehicles from Maserati in November 2024 through Soulistic Music, totaling approximately R16 million. While one vehicle was delivered, the second one did not arrive within the agreed time.
The undelivered vehicle was also supposed to undergo extensive custom alterations, including changes to the seat belts, brake callipers, and both interior and exterior trim. Maphumulo claims Maserati assured him of a June 2025 delivery but failed to fulfill that commitment.
In an email from a Maserati representative, it was indicated that the company had arranged production for the car, mentioning Maphumulo’s international notoriety as a factor for the factory making an exception. Nevertheless, the promised vehicle never materialized.
In court documents, Maphumulo stated that the R7 million he sought was based on the trade-in value Maserati owed him due to their alleged contractual breach. He had tried to address the issue directly with the carmaker prior to initiating legal action. Maserati disputes the claims and denies any breach of contract.
Understanding the writ’s implications
The Johannesburg High Court issued a summary judgment in favour of Soulistic Music on 3 August, deciding that Maserati did not provide a valid defense. The writ that followed empowers the sheriff to kick-start the execution process, though it does not affirm that any specific assets have been seized or auctioned off yet.
Currently, no specific vehicle, piece of equipment, or asset associated with Maserati SA has been identified or confiscated. The writ merely sets the stage for potential enforcement actions if the debt is not paid. Actual asset attachment can only be confirmed after the sheriff takes further steps and documents the process.
In addition, Maphumulo is currently engaged in separate legal proceedings against social media figure Nota Baloyi, which involve allegations and issues related to contempt.
