Xolani Khumalo

Xolani Khumalo (born 16 May 1990) is a South African television presenter, media personality, and politician.[1] He is best known as the host of the crime-focused television programme Sizok’thola and for his political affiliation with ActionSA, where he has served as the party's mayoral candidate for the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.[2]

Early life and education

Xolani was born on 16 May 1990 in Johannesburg, South Africa, and grew up in Tembisa.

Media career

Khumalo rose to national prominence as the presenter of Sizok’thola, a television programme that focused on community-based anti-drug initiatives and exposing criminal activity.[3] The show attracted significant public attention for its confrontational approach and its close engagement with communities affected by drug abuse and crime.[4]

In July 2023, Khumalo and members of the Sizok’thola production team were arrested and charged with murder, robbery, and malicious damage to property following the death of Robert Varrie, an alleged drug dealer, during the filming of an episode in Katlehong, Gauteng. Varrie later died after being taken to hospital, prompting the South African Police Service to open a murder investigation.[5]

Khumalo handed himself over to police and was released on bail. In April 2025, the National Prosecuting Authority provisionally withdrew the charges to allow for further investigation.[6]

On 19 January 2026, Khumalo voluntarily surrendered to police in relation to separate assault allegations linked to a 2025 incident. ActionSA confirmed that he would cooperate with law enforcement.[7][8][9][10]

Political career

In October 2025, ActionSA announced Khumalo as its mayoral candidate for Ekurhuleni ahead of the 2026 local government elections. Party leader Herman Mashaba cited Khumalo's public profile and focus on crime as factors in his selection.[4]

Public image

Khumalo's public image has been shaped by both his high-profile media work and his legal controversies. Supporters describe him as a community-focused crime activist, while critics have raised concerns about the methods used on Sizok’thola and the implications of his legal cases. Independent media coverage has highlighted the polarizing nature of his career.[11]

See also

References

  1. ^ "ActionSA announces Xolani Khumalo as Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate". Jacaranda FM. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  2. ^ Zeeman, Kyle (2025-10-04). "'Crime fighting' TV star Xolani Khumalo announced as ActionSA mayoral candidate". The Citizen. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  3. ^ Simelane, Lunga. "Antidrug crusader Xolani Khumalo promises corruption crackdown as ActionSA's Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate". News24. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  4. ^ a b "ActionSA's Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate promises independent crime-fighting unit". Eyewitness News. 5 October 2025.
  5. ^ "Xolani Khumalo arrested over murder linked to Sizok'thola episode". The Star. 21 July 2023.
  6. ^ "Murder charges withdrawn against former Sizok'thola presenter Xolani Khumalo". News24. 14 April 2025.
  7. ^ "ActionSA's Xolani Khumalo to hand himself over to police over assault allegations". Eyewitness News. 16 January 2026.
  8. ^ Goba, Thabiso. "ActionSA backs assault accused Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Xolani Khumalo". EWN. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  9. ^ Ntanzi, Hope (2026-01-19). "Xolani Khumalo in police custody over assault allegations; ActionSA confirms full support". IOL. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  10. ^ Tshireletso_Admin (2026-01-16). "Xolani Khumalo to Hand Himself Over as SAPS Arrests Crime Fighters While Letting Criminals Go Free". ActionSA. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  11. ^ "From crime-fighting TV star to mayoral candidate". The Citizen. 2025.
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