SOUTH AFRICA – Controversial South African blogger Musa Khawula is reportedly in distress at Johannesburg’s notorious Sun City prison, where he is being held after being arrested recently for making defamatory statements against yet another celebrity couple.
Khawula, was recently arrested in Dundee, KwaZulu-Natal, for contravention of the Cybercrimes Act and crimen injuria, just less than two months after spending time in jail.
Khawula appeared at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where his case was postponed to 29 January, after his legal representative Ofentse Nkgwang requested time to prepare for his bail application.
“The matter was set down for a formal bail application hearing, unfortunately, the defence indicated that they’re not yet in a position to continue with the application today,” said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwana, outside the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.
According to TshisaLIVE, Musa has been visibly distressed since his arrival at Sun City correctional centre and had been crying.
The source said his bail application could be complicated by previous charges — his alleged contempt of court and involvement in a separate murder case.
“On that case of the reckless and negligent driving, he is currently in custody as per [the] warrant of arrest that was issued in Fochville.
“However, the sentence, Saps [South African Police Service] was able to execute their warrant of arrest before Fochville could do,” said Mjonondwana.
The spokesperson added that despite the pending cases against Khawula, nothing prohibits an accused from applying for bail.
“At the end of the day, the decision lies with the court. The court will make a determination on whether or not he’s a suitable candidate to be released on bail.”
