Mbalula Takes Legal Action Against Anele Mda Over Bozwana Murder Allegations

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula is defending himself against allegations made by political commentator Anele Mda, who linked him to the murder of businessman Wandile Bozwana.

Mbalula has approached the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, seeking to compel Mda to remove the social media posts that he claims are false, damaging, and malicious.

Mda's posts allegedly created the impression that Mbalula was involved in Bozwana's assassination, which Mbalula vehemently denies. He describes Bozwana as a "friend" and says any suggestion of his involvement in the murder is deeply offensive and legally unfounded.

Bozwana was shot and killed in a high-profile attack in Pretoria in October 2015 while traveling with his business partner, Mpho Baloyi, who survived. The matter shocked the country and led to a long-running trial, with four men, including notorious Mamelodi taxi boss Vusi "Khekhe" Mathibela, being sentenced to 30 years in prison each for their role in the killing.

In his affidavit, Mbalula emphasizes that the allegations have no factual basis and threaten to cause serious harm to his reputation and public standing. He also referenced recent comments made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, suggesting that public perceptions could easily link Mda's claims to broader allegations of political figures being involved with criminal networks.

Mda, however, is opposing the application, arguing that it doesn't qualify as urgent and claiming that Mbalula's actions are an attempt to silence her for revisiting public allegations that have circulated for years. She maintains that her comments fall within the realm of public discourse and don't amount to defamation.

The case has sparked public interest, highlighting tensions between political figures and social media users in an age where reputation battles are increasingly fought online. With the convicted killers of Bozwana having been sentenced, speculation around the motive and possible masterminds behind the murder still lingers. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for how public figures handle online defamation claims.