Johannesburg – Gauteng-based artist Avhatakali Mudau, known professionally as Stavo, has taken legal action against legendary music producer Sello "Chicco" Twala, obtaining an interim protection order amidst claims of intimidation and fear for his life.
The order was granted at the Meadowlands Magistrates Court on 22 December 2025. However, it appears the legal process has hit a snag, with allegations that Twala has refused to sign the order upon being contacted by the police.
Stavo alleges that the dispute stems from a disagreement over royalties from a deal they both secured with a prominent South African church. According to court documents seen by Daily Sun, Stavo contacted Twala to inquire about the royalties, which allegedly triggered an abusive response from the seasoned producer.
In his affidavit, Stavo claims that Twala subjected him to a barrage of insults via WhatsApp messages, using vulgar language from the Xitsonga vocabulary. He stated that the music icon even told him he would "die poor."
"I feel violated because Sello Ernest Twala is sending me threatening messages and insulting me through WhatsApp," Stavo stated in his affidavit. "I am being harassed continuously, and I would like the law to intervene. I feel humiliated and would really appreciate if the court could resolve this matter on my behalf."
The artist further expressed his apprehension, saying, "I fear for my life as this man and I have been battling for years with regards to a high amount of money he was supposed to have shared with me, but he ended up spending it alone."
Stavo has also accused Twala of robbing him and attempting to silence him from exposing alleged "crookery." He confirmed that he sought the protection order after initially attempting to open a case of crimen injuria against Twala.
"I first went to a police station to open a case of crimen injuria against him, but the police advised me to rather obtain a protection order," Stavo explained. "The police phoned him and put him on loud speak and asked him about his whereabouts so they could deliver the order. He told them he was not going to sign ‘rubbish’."
When contacted for comment, Chicco Twala confirmed that he had been contacted by the police regarding the protection order. However, he dismissed Stavo's claims, stating that he refused to sign the order because he believes Stavo is "mentally ill" and wasting state resources.
"I have nine protection orders that crazy people have obtained against me, and this is one of them," said Twala. "The things this man is talking about don’t make sense."
The refusal to sign the protection order adds another layer of complexity to the already tense situation. The courts will now need to determine the next steps in ensuring Stavo's safety and resolving the underlying dispute between the two musicians. The case highlights the often-turbulent intersection of the music industry, financial disagreements, and the legal system.
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