Johannesburg – Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema and his wife, Mantwa Matlala, are demanding a public apology from social media blogger Musa Khawula over divorce claims and that their marriage is collapsing due to alleged affairs.
In a letter of demand dated 26 February 2026, issued by their lawyers, England Slabbert Attorneys Inc, the couple threatened Khawula with R1 million in damages, an interdict, and potential criminal charges of crimen injuria if he failed to retract and remove his posts by 4 March 2026. The letter reads:
“Institute urgent High Court proceedings for the appropriate relief against you, including interdictory proceedings, as well as the additional relief of a monetary damages claim (including a claim for solatium) in the amount of R1 000 000 (One million rand). Report your conduct to the South African Police Services and accordingly lay criminal charges of crimen injuria.”
The demand comes after Khawula allegedly posted on his X account on 25 February 2026, claiming Malema and Matlala had separated because of the politician’s “cavalier association with women.” Khawula reportedly later reposted allegations suggesting Malema tried to bribe him to suppress the story, claims that the lawyers firmly denied. Said the lawyers:
“The first publication expressly conveys that our clients’ marriage has ended, divorce proceedings have been instituted, and the divorce is caused by Mr Malema’s repeated infidelity. The marriage is stressful due to the conduct. These statements are presented as facts.”
They further emphasised that the allegations were made without verification and that a reasonable person would interpret the claims to mean that Malema is adulterous, dishonest, lacks integrity, and cannot be trusted. The posts, they argued, also humiliated Matlala and caused emotional harm to their children while exposing the couple to public ridicule. The lawyers stated:
“Our clients remain married, and no divorce proceedings have taken place. These false allegations of adultery and marital misconduct are prima facie defamatory, as they attack the integrity, dignity, privacy, and family reputation of our clients.”
The letter also addressed the bribery claims:
“The reasonable reader would understand this to mean that Mr Malema attempted to bribe you, engaged in corrupt or improper financial conduct, or abused his position or influence to silence critics. Mr Malema has never attempted to pay you, whether directly or indirectly. Allegations of bribery, corruption, abuse of influence, and financial impropriety are inherently defamatory and directly attack Mr Malema’s fitness for public office.”
Khawula, a repeat target of legal action for his social media gossip, has not publicly responded, leaving opinions divided. Some commentators call for an apology, while others speculate that the legal action confirms the story’s underlying allegations.
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