Fikile Mbalula Takes Legal Action to Force Anele Mda to Remove Bozwana Murder Allegations

ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has approached the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria with an urgent application seeking to compel political commentator Anele Mda to take down social media posts linking him to the murder of businessman Wandile Bozwana.

Mbalula filed court papers last week, arguing that the claims made by Mda are false, damaging, and must be addressed without delay. The matter is set to be heard on Monday. In his affidavit, Mbalula describes the social media posts by Mda as “false, malicious and reckless.”

He argues that they create the impression that he was involved — either directly or indirectly — in Bozwana’s assassination. Mbalula insists the allegations have no factual basis and that they threaten to cause serious harm to his reputation and public standing.

“The urgency of clearing my name in the public sphere should be understood in the context of recent developments, including the commission of inquiry announced by the president into alleged criminal links involving Members of Parliament and public officials,” Mbalula stated in the court papers.

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.

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

Mbalula, who describes Bozwana as a “friend,” said that any suggestion he had a hand in the murder is deeply offensive and legally unfounded. Mda, however, is opposing the application. Through her legal team, she argues that the matter does not qualify as urgent and claims the case is an attempt by Mbalula to silence her for revisiting public allegations that have circulated for years.

She also noted that Mbalula never pursued legal action against media outlets or individuals who previously raised similar questions about Bozwana’s death.

“This is an effort to intimidate me and control the narrative,” Mda reportedly said in her legal response. She maintains that her comments fall within the realm of public discourse and do not amount to defamation. The case has sparked public interest given its links to broader concerns about alleged connections between political figures and criminal elements.

While the convicted killers of Bozwana have been sentenced, speculation around the motive and possible masterminds behind the murder has never fully disappeared from public conversation.As the matter heads to court, it places the spotlight not only on the legal boundaries of public commentary but also on the growing tensions between political figures and social media users in an age where reputation battles are increasingly fought online.