Euphonik Moves to Have Ntsiki Mazwai Declared Insolvent Over Unpaid R280,000 Legal Debt

South African DJ and producer Euphonik (real name Themba Nkosi) has filed for the sequestration of poet and activist Ntsiki Mazwai after multiple failed attempts to recover more than R280,000 in court-ordered legal fees. The legal action comes after years of litigation stemming from defamatory social media posts made by Mazwai.

Background of the Legal Battle

The dispute between the two public figures began in 2021 when Mazwai allegedly referred to Euphonik as a “rapist” in social media posts. In response, Euphonik approached the Johannesburg High Court, which granted him an interdict in April 2021, prohibiting Mazwai from making such statements. The court also ordered her to pay R74,000 in legal costs on an attorney-and-client scale.

The case resurfaced in January 2022 when a final order was issued against Mazwai, requiring her to pay an additional R104,316. When she attempted to appeal the judgment, her application was dismissed with costs, adding another R114,000 to her financial obligations.

Failed Attempts to Recover the Debt

Despite multiple court orders, Mazwai has reportedly only made a partial payment of R6,000. Euphonik’s legal team sent several letters of demand, but the amounts remained unpaid. In an effort to enforce the court orders, the sheriff of Johannesburg North was dispatched to Mazwai’s residence on multiple occasions.

During one visit in March 2023, the sheriff assessed her movable assets at just R1,500—far below the total amount owed. Additionally, Mazwai allegedly admitted in an email to Euphonik’s lawyers that she was financially strained. The sheriff also obtained an affidavit from her indicating that she was affiliated with a “Chapter 11 institution,” which may suggest she was undergoing some form of debt restructuring or financial rehabilitation.

Euphonik’s Sequestration Application

In his court filings, Euphonik argues that Mazwai has committed an “act of insolvency” by failing to pay her debts and acknowledging her inability to do so. He contends that sequestrating her estate would be in the best interest of her creditors, ensuring a fair distribution of any available assets.

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Mazwai, however, has not backed down. In May 2023, her legal representative, Risiva Khosa, informed Euphonik’s attorneys that she intended to pursue an appeal. Despite this, no substantial payments have been made, prompting Euphonik to escalate the matter through sequestration proceedings.

What Sequestration Means for Mazwai

If the court grants the sequestration order, Mazwai’s financial affairs will be placed under the control of a trustee, who will assess her assets and liabilities. This could lead to the liquidation of her assets to pay off creditors, including Euphonik. The process could also impact her ability to obtain credit in the future.

Public Reaction and Ongoing Feud

The legal battle has drawn significant public attention, with supporters on both sides weighing in. Mazwai, known for her outspoken activism, has previously accused Euphonik of using legal action to silence her. Meanwhile, Euphonik maintains that his actions are solely about enforcing court orders and recovering what he is owed.

As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Mazwai will settle the debt or if the court will proceed with sequestration. Either way, the dispute highlights the financial and legal consequences of defamation claims in South Africa’s high-profile social media feuds.