The Gauteng High Court has ruled in favour of Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), in a defamation case against blogger Musa Khawula. The court found that Khawula made untrue and unlawful accusations about Malema and his wife, Mantwa Matlala, regarding their marital status.The dispute began when Khawula posted allegations on social media claiming that Malema’s marriage was collapsing due to infidelity.
Malema and his wife denied these claims, stating that their marriage was stable and that there were no divorce proceedings underway. They argued that Khawula’s posts were defamatory and caused reputational damage and public ridicule.In response to Khawula’s claims, Malema’s legal team issued a letter of demand, seeking R1 million in damages and criminal charges for crimen injuria (intentional impairment of dignity). Khawula refused to retract his statements or apologize, despite the legal pressure.The court ultimately ruled in Malema’s favour, finding that Khawula’s accusations were untrue and unlawful.
This ruling is a significant victory for Malema, who has been vocal about protecting his family’s reputation.”This is a victory not just for me, but for the truth,” Malema said in a statement. “I will continue to defend my family and my reputation against baseless attacks”.Khawula has a history of making controversial statements and facing legal consequences. This latest ruling adds to his growing list of legal troubles, including an active arrest warrant in a separate 2022 murder case.The court’s decision highlights the importance of verifying information before sharing it publicly and the potential consequences of spreading false information. As social media continues to play a significant role in shaping public opinion, this case serves as a reminder of the need for responsible online behaviour.
The EFF has welcomed the court’s decision, stating that it vindicates Malema’s reputation and sends a strong message to those who spread false information. The party has also called for greater accountability from social media platforms and bloggers who spread misinformation.
