Madlanga Commission hears political power pressured for Musa Khawula’s arrest

by Zintle Mdaka

The internet was left buzzing after it was revealed at the Madlanga Commission that political power pressured for controversial blogger, Musa Khawula, to be arrested.

Testifying at the Madlanga Commission probing corruption in South Africa’s justice system, protected Witness F revealed in detail that in 2024, pressure came from the high officials, suggesting that senior police officials and political figures were involved in attempts to stop controversial social media blogger Musa Khawula from reporting on alleged organised crime figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

This is after the self-proclaimed pop culture pope posted on X (formerly Twitter), accusing prolific figures like South African politician, Fikile Mbalula, businessman Ze Nxumalo and tender mogul Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala of scandals.

The 33-year-old blogger was charged with crimen injuria and violating the Cyber Crimes Act of 2020, alongside accusations of hate speech. According to online reports, Musa was detained in KwaZulu-Natal, extradited to Johannesburg, and held in Sun City Prison despite bail attempts, following demands tied to his gossip about cheating and corruption.

Witness F, a member of the Gauteng Organised Crime Unit, told the commission that Major General Richard Shibiri, the head of organised crime, allegedly contacted Musa and asked him to stop publishing content about Vusimuzi.

Screenshots of this communication were later shared with Witness F and presented before the commission. Jacaranda FM reported that a WhatsApp exchange shown to the commission also included a warrant of arrest for Musa, which Witness F was expected to execute.

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Also see: Lerato Nxumalo Takes Legal Action Against Musa Khawula Over Viral Post