Xolani Khumalo

The City of Johannesburg is finalising an agreement with controversial TV presenter Xolani Khumalo, who is currently on bail for murder, as part of a bold move to curb crime in the metro. The partnership has sparked mixed reactions across South Africa, with some praising the city’s innovative approach and others questioning the decision to collaborate with a man facing serious criminal charges. MMC for Public Safety Mgcini Tshwaku has defended the move, saying it’s a practical step to harness Khumalo’s experience in fighting drug-related crime, despite his legal troubles.

A New Ally in Johannesburg’s War on Crime

The City of Johannesburg has long grappled with high crime rates, from drug trafficking to illegal immigration and violent offences. In a bid to turn the tide, the city is tapping into unconventional resources, including private security firms, NGOs, and now, Xolani Khumalo – a former presenter of Moja Love’s hard-hitting reality show Sizok’thola. Known for his no-nonsense approach to exposing drug dealers, Khumalo has become a polarising figure, admired by some as a crime-fighting hero and vilified by others for his alleged heavy-handed tactics.

MMC Mgcini Tshwaku confirmed this week that the city is in the final stages of formalising its partnership with Khumalo. Speaking to Eyewitness News (EWN), Tshwaku revealed that the collaboration began in 2024 and has already borne fruit. On Wednesday, 05 March 2025, Khumalo joined law enforcement officials in a high-profile raid in Hillbrow, one of Johannesburg’s most notorious crime hotspots. The operation led to the arrest of over 200 undocumented foreign nationals and the confiscation of drugs and counterfeit alcohol ingredients.

“Khumalo and his team provided us with vital intelligence,” Tshwaku said. “This led to the arrest of a drug dealer operating in Esselen Street. I ask myself, ‘why can’t we use the service of Xolani, because he has got these things? Why not him, because many of these securities are being used in the province that are there and other NGOs?’”

The raid, conducted between Quartz, Esselen, and Kotze Streets, was a coordinated effort involving the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Tactical Response Unit (TRU), and the Xolani Khumalo Foundation. Footage of the operation, shared by NOWinSA on X, showed Khumalo’s team in action, assisting authorities as they busted a counterfeit alcohol setup and rounded up suspects.

Xolani Khumalo: From TV Star to Crime Fighter

Xolani Khumalo rose to fame as the host of Sizok’thola, a Moja Love programme that followed him and his crew as they confronted suspected drug dealers across South Africa. The show gained a massive following for its raw, unfiltered look at the country’s drug epidemic, but it also landed Khumalo in hot water. In July 2023, he and his team allegedly tortured a suspected drug dealer, Robert Varrie, during a filmed confrontation in Katlehong. Varrie later died in hospital, leading to Khumalo’s arrest and charges of murder, robbery, and malicious damage to property.

Khumalo was sacked by Moja Love and is now awaiting trial, scheduled for later in 2025 at the regional court in Palm Ridge. Despite these legal woes, the City of Johannesburg sees value in his skills. Tshwaku has taken a pragmatic stance, arguing that Khumalo’s criminal case should not disqualify him from contributing to the city’s anti-crime efforts.

“He wants to help, but when he goes in, he has to be taken to court,” Tshwaku told EWN. “I understand there have been accusations and all of that, but let the court take its course, but let’s not prosecute the guy.”

This decision has divided public opinion. On X, users like @ChefMarcusZA celebrated the move, writing, “City of Joburg finalising agreement to work with presenter Xolani Khumalo, a man passionate about eradicating drugs in our communities!” Others, however, expressed unease. @MmuiWabatho accused the media of bias, tweeting, “Drug dealers & undocumented foreigners were arrested. Drugs were removed from the streets of Joburg. Crime was tackled head-on. Mgcini Tshwaku led the operation with the help of committed citizens including Xolani Khumalo. EWN won’t give credit because it needs to defend criminals.”

Hillbrow Raid: A Snapshot of Success

The Hillbrow operation on 05 March 2025 was a clear demonstration of the city’s renewed focus on crime. Over 200 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested, with police seizing a haul of illegal goods, including rock, marijuana, weed, and materials used to produce fake alcohol. Among the arrests was a foreign national alleged to be a key player in the local drug trade. The suspect, whose identity remains confidential pending further investigation, was nabbed after a sting operation led by crime intelligence officials.

One official, speaking anonymously, described the process: “I come to the area we have identified, I spend a night with them, and buy the drugs. I give them money while taking pictures and collect intel so that when I come back, I have confirmed everything.” This undercover work, combined with Khumalo’s tip-offs, paved the way for Wednesday’s bust.

The involvement of Home Affairs officials underscored the operation’s dual focus: tackling crime and addressing illegal immigration. The Department of Home Affairs has recently warned South Africans against marrying foreign nationals for financial gain, highlighting the legal risks of such arrangements. Wednesday’s raid showed the city’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws alongside its anti-drug campaign.

Johannesburg’s Crime Crisis: A Bigger Picture

Johannesburg’s partnership with Khumalo comes at a time when the city is under pressure to address its reputation as one of the world’s most dangerous urban centres. According to a BBC report from February 2025, while crime statistics show slight improvements, “crime is still a major issue” in the metro. The latest SAPS crime stats, released in November 2024, revealed a 5.8% drop in murders for the second quarter of the financial year, alongside decreases in sexual offences and robbery. However, commercial crime is on the rise, painting a complex picture of the city’s safety landscape.

Hillbrow, in particular, has long been a hotspot for drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and gang activity. The area’s dense population and economic challenges make it a breeding ground for illicit trade. Wednesday’s raid targeted these issues head-on, with Tshwaku vowing that more operations are in the pipeline. “We will be conducting more drug raids following intel from crime intelligence,” the Joburg Department of Public Safety said in a statement.

The inclusion of private players like Khumalo and his foundation reflects a growing trend in South Africa. A Bloomberg article from September 2024 noted that private security is “filling a void” as the country struggles with violent crime, including murder and ransom kidnappings. In Johannesburg’s affluent suburbs like Houghton, security firms like Vision Tactical patrol the streets, while in poorer areas like Alexandra, community members like Ms Nkosi hunt copper thieves to protect their neighbourhoods.

🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 94 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “I am a proud International criminal,
Malema Fires back at Musk and Trump”

Download Here:

Direct PDF Link:

https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Central-News-Issue-094.pdf

Read all our publications on magzter:

https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues

Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.

We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.

Advertisement:

To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za

For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za

Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za

General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za

Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za

Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487

Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za

Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube

centralnewsza #news