The long-standing legal saga between well-known DJ Euphonik (Themba Nkosi) and outspoken poet and activist Ntsiki Mazwai has taken a significant turn. In a recent development, DJ Euphonik has reportedly applied for Ntsiki Mazwai’s sequestration, a legal process that aims to declare an individual insolvent and distribute their assets among creditors. This move comes after years of court battles stemming from defamation claims.
Mazwai has been a vocal critic of gender-based violence (GBV) and has, in the past, made social media posts that DJ Euphonik alleged defamed him. These accusations led to a series of court orders against Mazwai, requiring her to pay substantial legal costs. However, reports indicate that a significant portion of these costs remains unpaid, prompting Euphonik to pursue sequestration.
This case highlights the serious ramifications of online defamation and the financial consequences that can arise from it. It also underscores the complexities of balancing freedom of speech with the right to protect one’s reputation.
The Road to Sequestration: A Timeline of Their Court Action
The legal dispute between DJ Euphonik and Ntsiki Mazwai has unfolded over several years, marked by various court appearances and judgments. Here’s a timeline of key events:
- January 2021: Allegations of rape surface against DJ Fresh and DJ Euphonik on social media. Ntsiki Mazwai actively participates in discussions, making various posts related to the allegations.
- March 23, 2021: DJ Euphonik launches a two-part application for an interdict against Ntsiki Mazwai, seeking to prevent further defamatory statements. Part A is heard in urgent court.
- April 2021: The Johannesburg High Court grants an interim interdict, ordering Ntsiki Mazwai to cease making defamatory statements about DJ Euphonik and orders her to pay R74,000 in legal costs.
- March 10, 2022: The High Court confirms the interim interdict as a final order in Part B of the application, preventing Ntsiki Mazwai from further defaming DJ Euphonik. The court finds that her social media comments, though not directly naming him, were clearly directed at him and defamatory.
- January 2022 (approximate): The court adds an additional R104,316 in legal costs against Mazwai.
- March 2023: Ntsiki Mazwai reportedly sends an email to Euphonik’s attorneys, stating that she has no money and is part of a debt help group.
- May 2023: Mazwai attempts to appeal the court orders.
- January 30, 2024: Ntsiki Mazwai’s application for leave to appeal is dismissed by the High Court, which also orders her to pay further costs, adding approximately R114,000 to her outstanding debt. The court notes her appeal was significantly late.
- February 24, 2025: Reports emerge that the Johannesburg High Court has granted DJ Euphonik a writ of execution, allowing him to claim damages and legal costs from Mazwai, and placing her assets at risk of seizure.
- July 15, 2025 (reported): DJ Euphonik reportedly applies for Ntsiki Mazwai’s sequestration, citing over R280,000 in unpaid legal fees. It is reported that despite numerous requests, Mazwai has only paid R6,000 of the court-ordered costs, and a sheriff’s visit to her home found assets only worth R1,500.
This ongoing legal battle serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of online speech and the importance of adhering to court orders. As the sequestration process unfolds, the future financial implications for Ntsiki Mazwai remain to be seen.
