What started as a routine anti-drug operation in Ekurhuleni on Sunday, January 8, escalated when shots were fired, leaving a Nigerian suspect linked to drug trafficking wounded. ActionSA’sEkurhuleni mayoral candidate, Councillor Xolani Khumalo, was on the scene to motivate and support the operation team. This follows Khumalo’s voluntary handover to the South African Police Service (SAPS) on January 19, after reports of an intended arrest in a disputed assault case.
ActionSA said Khumalo acted proactively after learning of the reports and arranged a meeting with SAPS to clarify their intentions. According to the party, the case is connected to a 2025 SAPS operation in Katlehong, where Khumalo was present during the raid on a suspected drug dealer. ActionSA claims the suspect later filed a false assault charge against Khumalo and is linked to wider criminal activity involving some police members.
Khumalo has long worked to expose criminal syndicates and maintain community safety, building a national profile as a crime and safety advocate. Siyanda Makhubo, ActionSA’s spokesperson in Ekurhuleni, said Khumalo was not armed and was never meant to participate in the operation. “He was there to address, offer support and motivate the team.
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What we know is that the drug lords were not cooperating, and an altercation ensued, resulting in a shootout,” Makhubo explained. He confirmed that Khumalo left the scene before the operation began. The incident left the Nigerian suspect injured, while Khumalo issued a statement reinforcing his stance against criminal syndicates.
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