Xolani Khumalo Granted Bail After Assault Charge in Ekurhuleni
ActionSA’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Xolani Khumalo, has been granted R2 000 bail by the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court following an assault charge laid against him.
Khumalo handed himself over to police at the Katlehong police station after an alleged drug dealer opened a case accusing him of assault. He was later released on bail and is expected to return to court on 18 February.
Also Read: Police Search for Former Sizok’thola Host Xolani Khumalo Over December Assault
ActionSA Links Case to Crackdown on Drug Syndicates
ActionSA has described the case as part of rising tensions in Ekurhuleni, claiming Khumalo’s anti-crime campaign has unsettled drug syndicates operating in the area.
The party said Khumalo’s work—both politically and through his television programme Sizok’thola—has exposed alleged links between drug dealers and local businesses, resulting in raids and arrests that disrupted operations worth millions of rand.
Previous Serious Charges Withdrawn
Earlier this year, charges of murder, robbery and malicious damage to property against Khumalo and members of his TV show crew were provisionally withdrawn. The group had been accused of killing an alleged drug dealer in July 2023.
Khumalo has consistently maintained that criminal networks, corruption and drug syndicates have infiltrated the City of Ekurhuleni, undermining service delivery and public safety.
‘I Will Not Be Intimidated,’ Says Khumalo
Speaking outside court, Khumalo remained defiant, saying he would not be deterred by intimidation or legal pressure.
“Unfortunately, this is the country we live in where criminals influence law enforcement. But I will not stop. This is my home, this is my country, and I will fight until the end,” he said.
He added that Katlehong and Ekurhuleni remain close to his heart, insisting that those opposing him had only drawn more attention to themselves.
ActionSA Reaffirms Support
ActionSA National Chairperson Michael Beaumont reaffirmed the party’s support for Khumalo, describing him as the right candidate to lead the city.
Beaumont said the party remains confident in Khumalo’s leadership, adding that community support in Katlehong demonstrated a growing demand for strong action against crime and drug dealing. He said ActionSA would continue campaigning vigorously to secure Khumalo’s election as mayor of Ekurhuleni.
“We couldn’t have chosen a better candidate. The harassment of Xolani Khumalo for standing up to drug dealers shows that we have chosen the right person,” Beaumont said, adding that the party would campaign relentlessly to see Khumalo elected mayor.