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Xolani Khumalo’s voluntary surrender puts ActionSA in focus
A high-profile surrender draws national attention
ActionSA has confirmed that Xolani Khumalo, its Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate and one of the party’s most recognisable faces, will voluntarily hand himself over to the South African Police Service on Monday, 19 January. The move follows reports of an intended arrest linked to an alleged assault case, which the party insists is rooted in retaliation rather than criminal wrongdoing.
According to ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont, Khumalo did not wait for police to arrive at his door. After reading public reports suggesting that an arrest was imminent, Khumalo approached SAPS directly to clarify their intentions. The party says this proactive step reflects confidence in his innocence and a willingness to cooperate fully with law enforcement.
How a 2025 drug raid sparked the dispute
At the centre of the matter is a police operation carried out in Katlehong in 2025. ActionSA says Khumalo was present when officers raided the home of a suspected drug dealer. During the operation, unlicensed ammunition was allegedly found, and the suspect was arrested.
What followed has become a major point of contention. ActionSA claims the suspect was later released without appearing in court and that the seized ammunition was returned. After his release, the same individual allegedly laid a charge of assault against Khumalo. It is this charge that police are now acting on, prompting the planned surrender.
Claims of intimidation and deeper police failures
ActionSA has framed the case as part of a broader pattern of intimidation. The party argues that Khumalo has been targeted because of his outspoken stance against crime in Ekurhuleni, particularly drug networks that have long plagued parts of the metro.
Beaumont has gone further, alleging that the suspect who laid the charge is linked to wider criminal activity involving members of SAPS. ActionSA says both the party and Khumalo are cooperating with law enforcement authorities to investigate these claims, which they believe point to serious systemic failures within the policing system.
From television fame to political flashpoint
Khumalo is not just another local councillor. He has built a national profile through television programmes focused on crime and community safety, where he became known for confronting alleged drug dealers and exposing criminal syndicates. For many viewers, he represents a tough, hands-on approach to crime that resonates strongly in communities frustrated by slow policing and persistent illegal activity.
That visibility has also made him a lightning rod. On social media, reactions have been sharply divided. Supporters argue that Khumalo is being punished for challenging powerful criminal interests, while critics say public figures should be held to the highest standards regardless of reputation.
Why this case matters beyond one politician
The decision by Khumalo to surrender voluntarily adds another layer to an already complex story. It highlights growing public mistrust in law enforcement, ongoing concerns about corruption within SAPS, and the risks faced by politicians who position themselves as anti-crime crusaders.
As the legal process unfolds, the case is likely to test not only Khumalo’s political future but also ActionSA’s broader message on clean governance and accountability. For residents of Ekurhuleni, it is another reminder of how deeply crime, policing, and politics are intertwined in daily life.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Instagram/@MojaLOVE
