The legal dispute involving DJ Black Coffee and podcast host Nota Baloyi has progressed, as the Johannesburg High Court mandated Baloyi to file his arguments in the ongoing contempt proceedings.
This directive, issued by acting judge Sarita Liebenberg on July 16, allows Baloyi 10 court days to submit necessary documents and requires him to cover the costs associated with the interlocutory application.
In January, Black Coffee, whose given name is Nkosinathi Maphumulo, initiated the contempt proceedings, focusing on Baloyi’s alleged non-compliance with a previous court judgment that instructed him to retract certain statements and offer a public apology.
Reasons Behind Black Coffee’s Push for Baloyi’s Imprisonment
The legal conflict traces back to a September 2025 recording of the SA Hub podcast, where Baloyi reportedly made assertions regarding Black Coffee’s finances amid his divorce from actress Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa.
In December 2025, the Johannesburg High Court determined that Baloyi’s comments were unlawful and mandated him to retract the statements and issue an apology.
In his filings regarding contempt, Maphumulo contends that Baloyi has repeatedly ignored the court’s authority by failing to meet the stipulated requirements.
According to Black Coffee’s legal team, the issue has now evolved beyond the original statements. They argue that court rulings must be honored even if one disagrees with them.
Baloyi’s Response to the Allegations
Baloyi is contesting the contempt application, claiming it misuses the court’s processes. He asserts that he has adhered to the order’s stipulations by ceasing to refer to Maphumulo, having removed references to Black Coffee from his social media accounts in early December 2025.
Despite this, Baloyi continues to resist the obligation to publish the mandated apology.
He believes doing so would require him to label his previous comments as false and defamatory, a characterization he disputes. Baloyi maintains that he supports his statements and views them as truthful and beneficial to the public.
Additionally, he claims that Black Coffee’s contempt application was prematurely filed, as he had appealed the original ruling shortly after it was issued.
In his legal documents, Baloyi further alleges that Maphumulo reached out to his mother during the ongoing legal issues to apply pressure. He is seeking R25,000 in damages for the distress caused by this alleged action.
Next Steps in the Legal Proceedings
The recent court order does not indicate that Baloyi has been adjudged guilty of contempt or that he will face imprisonment. Instead, it serves to advance the legal process in Black Coffee’s application.
Baloyi is now required to file his arguments within the timeline established by the court. Following this, the High Court will review the substantive contempt application to ascertain whether Baloyi’s refusal to provide the mandated apology constitutes contempt that could lead to a possible 60-day jail term.
