Television presenter Xolani Khumalo, known for his role as the host of Sizokthola, was arrested after he voluntarily surrendered himself to the Katlehong North Police Station on Tuesday.
UPDATE: Following his arrest, Xolani Khumalo was granted R20 000 bail. A new court date has yet to be announced.
Xolani Khumalo arrested: Here’s why ‘Sizokthola’ host handed himself over
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The charges against Khumalo stem from an incident during the filming of Sizokthola, where it is alleged that an individual identified as Robert ‘Kicks’ Varrie died while the presenter and his team were interviewing him. Varrie was reportedly an alleged drug dealer.
Reports indicate that Varrie was declared dead after being interrogated during the filming of the show and subsequently transported to the Thelle Mogoerane regional hospital in Vosloorus.
Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed back in July 2023 that a murder case had been opened against Xolani Khumalo in Vosloorus.
The investigation into this case is ongoing.
Khumalo wants powers to arrest suspects without a warrant
In response to these allegations, the Khumalo Foundation released a statement asserting that Khumalo and his team had conducted themselves within the boundaries of the law during the operation.
The foundation emphasised its commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism in its efforts to hold drug dealers accountable.
“Khumalo and the team operated according to the strictest standard of professionalism when engaged in securing accountability from those that sell drugs and choose to harm the communities where they choose to operate,” the foundation stated.
The Khumalo Foundation, along with other organisations, including the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), recently presented a memorandum of demands to top cop Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan Scott.
Among these demands is a request to amend the Criminal Procedure Act to allow private individuals to make arrests of crime suspects without a warrant.
This proposed change, they believe, would empower citizens to take action against individuals involved in drug dealing and distribution.
The investigation into the incident and the murder case against Xolani Khumalo remain ongoing, and further developments will be reported as information becomes available.