Increased security for ActionSA mayoral candidate constantly in trouble with the law

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has defended the crime-fighting efforts of Xolani Khumalo, despite ongoing legal challenges. Mashaba asserts the public has lost faith in the South African Police Service and is increasingly taking matters into their own hands.

Collapsed Police Service?

Khumalo, known for his drug-busting show Sizokthola, is currently facing legal proceedings in two separate cases related to his activities. He appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday regarding an assault that occurred during filming in December. He is also scheduled to appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday concerning a drug raid that resulted in the death of an alleged drug dealer.

Last year, Khumalo was acquitted of charges including murder, robbery, and malicious damage to property following a two-year legal battle also stemming from his drug-busting work.

Mashaba stated his party fully supports Khumalo, explaining, “We support him because he is threatening the livelihood of international drug syndicates.” He criticized the South African Police Service, claiming it has “collapsed” and is unable to adequately protect citizens.

“It is sad that Xolani and his team have to form their own drug-busting unit. Things are messed up in our criminal justice system, this has also been revealed in the Madlanga Commission,” Mashaba said. “In a normal society, you would not have Xolani going out to do what police should be doing.”

Khumalo’s Safety

Mashaba expressed concern for Khumalo’s safety, noting previous threats to his life. He stated that ActionSA has taken steps to ensure Khumalo’s protection, but declined to provide specific details.

SANDF Fighting Crime

Mashaba also criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to deploy the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) to address crime hotspots in Gauteng and the Western Cape. He argued the deployment is a consequence of the government’s failure to provide citizens with safety.

“The government has failed to provide citizens with the promise of safety and now we see people taking matters into their own hands. Xolani and his team do not want to do what they are doing but they felt that they cannot sit back and watch their communities being ravaged by drugs and gangs,” Mashaba said.

Khumalo Appointed MMC

Khumalo was recently sworn in as a councillor in the City of Ekurhuleni and was offered the position of MMC for community services and by-law enforcement by Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza. However, ActionSA rejected the appointment, stating it would not help Khumalo fight crime and that a coalition under the current circumstances was not advisable.

“Our position has been very clear on every occasion that we will not lend credibility to an administration that has overseen the lawlessness and deterioration of service delivery that continues to cripple the city,” the party said.