Musa Khawula Found in Contempt of Court
What Happened?
In February 2026, gossip dealer Musa Khawula posted on social media that Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema and his wife, Mantoa Matlala‑Malema, were headed for a divorce after 11 years of marriage. He claimed the wife was tired of alleged infidelity and wanted to end their “stressful marriage.”
The couple took the matter to the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, arguing the post was false and damaging to their reputation.
Court’s Orders
After reviewing the evidence, the judge ruled that Khawula’s statements were unlawful and defamatory. The court issued several directives:
- Withdraw the defamatory post within 24 hours.
- Publish an unconditional public apology on every platform where the allegations appeared.
- Refrain from making any similar statements about the couple in the future.
- Pay the legal costs of the application.
Khawula’s Defiant Response
Instead of complying, Khawula posted a clip from Beyoncé’s song “Sorry,” which repeats the line “I ain’t sorry.” In the caption he wrote:
“Hello @Julius_S_Malema baby, please find the attached statement so you can use it as soon as possible.”
He also added a follow‑up message:
“Hello Julius_S_Malema baby, I thought you knew you wouldn’t get an apology from me…Your close friends have repeatedly confirmed that your little marriage is over, you’re getting a divorce and I stand by that. Stop dressing up.”
These actions showed a clear refusal to obey the court’s order.
Why the Case Matters
- Respect for the law: Ignoring a court order can lead to contempt charges, as seen here.
- Impact of social media: A single post can spread quickly and harm someone’s reputation, prompting legal action.
- Freedom of speech vs. defamation: While people can share opinions, they must avoid spreading false statements that damage others.
What’s Next?
The judge sentenced Khawula to:
- 30 days of direct imprisonment
- 30 days of probation, contingent on his compliance with the court’s order
If he fails to follow the order—such as by not removing the post or not apologizing—he will be arrested immediately.
Conclusion
Musa Khawula’s case highlights how quickly online gossip can turn into a legal battle. The court’s firm stance sends a reminder: even on social media, respecting legal decisions and the reputations of others is essential. For teens navigating the digital world, it’s a useful lesson to think before you post and to understand that freedom of expression comes with responsibilities.
