The Randburg Magistrates’ Court is currently hearing the case brought by a black man, against another black man for allegedly calling him a Qwa Qwa k***r in a text.
Former Robben Island prisoner and prominent businessman, Peter-Paul Ngwenya has been charged with crimen injuria. The case was brought by his business associate and chairman of Investec, Fani Titi.
The case is being presided over by the same magistrate who sentenced Vicki Momberg to two years’ imprisonment for the same offence – Pravina Rugoonandan. Representing the state is also the same prosecutor, Yusuf Baba who secured the conviction and sentence of Momberg.
Titi has also brought in legal heavyweight, Advocate Barry Roux SC, as a watching brief.
On 23 April, Titi, the complainant, took the stand as a state witness. He told the court that he has been friends with the accused for almost two decades. According to Titi, Ngwenya’s behaviour had changed over the past three years. He said he became erratic and began acting out of character.
At the heart of the dispute, it is understood, is a commercial dispute involving millions between the two parties. From Titi’s testimony, Ngwenya turned violent and used vulgar language while trying to collect money owed to his company. Ngwenya allegedly wanted dividends to be paid into his personal account instead of the company account.
Over the years, the money was being paid into his personal account but Titi said they received legal advice, pointing out that the money should actually be paid into Ngwenya’s company account and not his personal account.
Titi told the court that Ngwenya directed several threats at him and he ended up getting a protection order as he feared for his life.
He told the court that he could not take threats by Ngwenya lightly as Ngwenya has military training.
He told the court that he failed to understand how someone who is a former Robben Island prisoner could call someone a k***r. Titi also told the court that the Ngwenya called one of their business associates, who follows the Muslim religion, a swine.
Titia also told the court that the Ngwenya threatened him by saying Titi will see his mother. Titi said he viewed this as a serious threat as Ngwenya knew that Titi’s mother was dead.
The trial continues.
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