The start of this week has been nothing short of sensational in South Africa, as notable personalities found themselves embroiled in legal battles commanding public attention.
Those facing serious allegations include traditional healer Ann Makgotso Mofokeng, better known as Gogo Maweni, Donell Mbele, the son of actress Sonia Mbele, and self-proclaimed blogger Musa Khawula.
In a courtroom appearance that has garnered considerable media attention, Maweni appeared before the Protea Magistrate’s Court on a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
The 38-year-old was arrested on January 19, in connection with an alleged incident that occurred nearly six years ago, on December 17, 2019, in Diamini, Soweto.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mofokeng is accused of assaulting a complainant with a bottle, resulting in injury to her mouth.
It is revealed that the case had previously been provisionally closed due to difficulties in locating the complainant. However, renewed investigations have culminated in Mofokeng's arrest and subsequent appearance in court. The case has been postponed to January 27, to allow for a bail application and profiling of the accused.
Meanwhile, the Randburg Magistrate’s Court was the setting for Donell Mbele, the 23-year-old son of acclaimed actress Sonia Mbele, who is facing serious rape charges.
Mbele’s case stems from a complaint made by his 17-year-old girlfriend, who alleges that he sexually assaulted her on two occasions, December 14 and 15, last year, at his residence in Morningside.
It is reported that the young woman recounted that after a night out at Clearwater Mall, a decision to return to Mbele's home to charge his phone resulted in the alleged assaults.
It has been reported that he is set to return to court on February 10, allowing for further investigations into the case. Mbele was released on bail set at R1 000.
Self-proclaimed blogger Musa Khawula also made an appearance in court on Tuesday, facing serious charges of crimen injuria related to derogatory posts about businessman Zee Nxumalo.
“The charges stem from a series of derogatory statements he allegedly made against businessman Zed Nxumalo, 44, during a troubling period between October, 10 and 12, 2024. It is claimed that the statements targeted Nxumalo's dignity, leading to the current legal proceedings,’’ the NPA explained.
With his previous legal troubles, including an ongoing murder case from 2022 in the Free State, as confirmed by the NPA, Khawula’s bail application was strongly opposed by the State. He is scheduled to return to court on January 29 for a formal bail hearing.
Saturday Star