South Africa: Authorities Distance Themselves From Fatal Shooting At Which Actionsa's Xolani Khumalo Was Present

10 February 2026
Daily Maverick (Johannesburg)
By Naledi Mashishi

Joburg metro police and the SAPS have denied involvement in the fatal 'drug-bust operation' attended by ActionSA's Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Xolani Khumalo, in Johannesburg during the filming of his TV show.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed on Monday, 9 February, that they were not part of a "drug-related operation" attended by ActionSA's mayoral candidate for Ekurhuleni, Xolani Khumalo, which led to the fatal shooting of a man. ActionSA alleged that the man was a Nigerian national involved in drug-related crimes.

The incident occurred on Sunday, 8 February, in Windsor East, Johannesburg. The police opened a case of murder following the shooting, which took place during the filming of the Moja Love drug-busting reality show 'Sizok'thola', which Khumalo hosts. In a statement on 9 February, ActionSA confirmed that Khumalo was present during the shooting.

ActionSA chairperson Michael Beaumont claimed during an interview with Newzroom Afrika on Monday night that the operation was led by the SAPS, the suspects involved opened fire, and that the police fired the shot that killed the man. However, the SAPS and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) denied any involvement in the operation and said they were called to the scene after the shots were fired.

"Public Order Police were called to the scene to restore public order following a shooting incident in Linden, Windsor East on Sunday, 8 February 2026," said the police.

"Preliminary...

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