Somizi Mhlongo defies court order in Dinner at Somizi’s intellectual property battle

Flamboyant entertainer Somizi Mhlongo has landed himself in hot water by blatantly disregarding a court order in the ongoing legal battle over his popular television show, Dinner at Somizi’s.

The Johannesburg High Court case revolves around accusations of intellectual property theft levied by TV producer Hastings Moeng.

Justice Jabulani Ellington Dlamini issued an injunction on April 22, compelling Mhlongo to submit heads of argument and a practice note within five days, as well as cover Moeng’s legal expenses.

These costs stemmed from Moeng opposing Mhlongo’s attempt to distance himself from the lawsuit. However, Mhlongo failed to comply with the court directive.

Moeng’s lawyer, Mabu Marweshe, revealed in court documents that Mhlongo has shown “the middle finger” to the court order.

Marweshe is now petitioning the court to dismiss Mhlongo’s application to oppose the intellectual property lawsuit against him and his production company, Barleader TV.

“The first respondent is directed to deliver, within five days of the service of this order, the heads of argument and practice note to the applicant,” reads the court order, which Sunday World has seen. “The first respondent is ordered to pay the costs of this application.”

Frustration with the handling of the case by Mhlongo, Barleader TV, and Multichoice, who aired the show, is evident in Marweshe’s submissions.

He pointed out that summons and particulars of claims were served on all parties in 2021, outlining Moeng’s intention to sue for intellectual property theft.

Despite initial defense filings, Mhlongo and Barleader TV’s legal representation withdrew, and Multichoice filed an exception claiming they were merely broadcasters, not producers of the show.

Marweshe maintains that Mhlongo has failed to file a plea and has consistently disregarded legal procedures.


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