ActionSA’s mayoral candidate for Ekurhuleni, Xolani Khumalo, has been released on R2000 bail.
Khumalo appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and pointing a firearm on Monday, 19 January 2026.
Khumalo was arrested after he handed himself over to the police in Katlehong.
It is alleged that Khumalo assaulted a man during a drug-bust operation in 2025.
DRUG-BUST OPERATION
Khumalo’s charges stem from an incident involving a suspected drug dealer who was arrested for possession of unlicensed ammunition during a raid last year.
ActionSA alleges the suspected drug dealer laid a false charge of assault against Khumalo.
“Police discovered unlicensed ammunition and arrested the suspect. However, instead of being charged and appearing before a court, the suspect was inexplicably released from custody and his unlicensed ammunition was returned to him.
“The suspect subsequently laid a false charge of assault against Khumalo and remarkably, this is what the police are now acting upon,” said ActionSA.
Khumalo has reaffirmed his determination to continue fighting crime. He spoke to the media shortly after being released.
“We are going to continue fighting drugs because we want to realise a drug-free South Africa. There is nothing else, We are doing it for our children. If they want to stop us they must try other ways,” he said.
CASE POSTPONED
The matter has been postponed to 16 February 2026.
The party’s parliamentary chief whip Lerato Ngobeni said the party is standing in solidarity with Khumalo and they are looking forward to proving that these allegations are bogus, unfounded, and also that there is no merit to this particular case.
“We’re very proud of all of the activists of ActionSA for having shown up to support our Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate. We’re very proud of the work that they have done to show and demonstrate to South Africa that we will support Xolani and his fight against drugs, drug cartels, and lawlessness in Ekurhuleni,” said Ngobeni.
