Social media gossip blogger Musa Khawula is a wanted man after failing to appear in court for his murder case in the Western Cape
Image: Screenshot/Newzroom Afrika
Controversial social media blogger Musawenkosi “Musa” Khawula is being actively sought by authorities after failing to appear in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court in connection with his 2022 murder case.
Khawula is accused of murdering his former boyfriend, Wandile Khambule, whom he allegedly stabbed following an altercation outside Khambule’s home in Vredenburg, in the Western Cape.
The case has been plagued by delays, including the withdrawal of Khawula’s legal representative in May 2024. According to official correspondence from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the Western Cape, Khawula has since fled, prompting the issuance of a warrant for his arrest. His bail has also been forfeited to the State.
The matter had appeared to be progressing when it was enrolled for plea and trial on May 30, 2024, with State witnesses present and ready to testify. However, proceedings were derailed after the defence successfully applied to withdraw from the record.
Although the court granted several postponements to allow Khawula to secure new legal representation, this leniency appears to have been exploited.
On January 28, 2025, the case stalled when Khawula failed to appear in court, leading to the immediate issuing of a warrant for his arrest. He remains at large. By February 11, 2025, the court formally ordered that his bail be forfeited.
In a letter dated March 20, 2026, the DPP’s office expressed concern over the delays, stating that while the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is not responsible for tracing suspects, it is “concerned when serious matters such as these are not brought before court, as this prevents justice from being served”.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) Acting Detective Commander in Vredenburg has confirmed that efforts to locate Khawula are ongoing.
The NPA has reassured the public that it is closely monitoring developments and is awaiting the arrest of Khawula so that he can be returned to court to face the charges against him.
Khawula has also featured in proceedings before the Madlanga Commission, where it emerged that his arrest in a separate matter, involving alleged contraventions of the Cybercrimes Act, crimen injuria and hate speech, may have been influenced by Deputy Police Minister Cassel Mathale, who is accused of pressuring police to act against the blogger over posts targeting ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and businessman Ze Nxumalo.
In that matter, Khawula has been appearing in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court. The charges relate to social media posts made in October 2024 in which he alleged that Nxumalo was involved in an extramarital affair.
In mid-2024, Khawula spent three months in prison after being found in contempt of court for refusing to retract and apologise for allegations that Mbalula’s wife, Nozuko, was corrupt.
In another unrelated case, Khawula faces charges of attempted murder, trespassing and reckless driving. He allegedly knocked into a complainant on a narrow road and fled the scene, before being arrested at a nearby tavern at Mponeng Mine.
He was released on R1,000 bail in that matter but was later re-arrested after failing to appear in court.