Gauteng Police Confirm Nigerian Man Shot Dead by Xolani’s Security Team During TV Production
Gauteng police have confirmed that the security team working with ActionSA’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Councillor Xolani Khumalo, shot and killed a Nigerian man during what was described as an anti-drug operation while filming an episode of the Moja Love television programme Sizok’thola on Sunday in the Windsor East area of Johannesburg.
Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said authorities were called to the scene after community unrest erupted following the shooting. “Preliminary investigations indicated that a production company was filming in the area and that shots were fired, allegedly by the production team’s security,” Sibeko said, adding that a murder case has been registered and investigations are underway.
ActionSA confirmed that Khumalo was present during the incident, with the party’s statement framing the operation as part of efforts to confront organised crime. “For too long, drug syndicates have terrorised our communities through violence, intimidation and total disregard for the law,” ActionSA said, signalling support for what it described as “decisive and lawful measures to dismantle this scourge.”
The incident drew sharp criticism from opposition party the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said the shooting raised serious concerns about political parties involving themselves in operations that result in deaths. “If ActionSA is allowed to have its mayoral candidates lead ‘anti-drug’ operations and form part of the killing of suspects, then all political parties will think a successful campaign means you must buy guns and shoot those you suspect of crime to prove your commitment,” Thambo said.
The identity of the man killed and the specific circumstances that led to the shooting remain under investigation. Police said no arrests had been made at the time of reporting.
The incident adds to scrutiny around Khumalo’s involvement in high-profile anti-drug operations. Earlier legal matters linked to his role on Sizok’thola prompted a murder investigation in 2023, though charges were later provisionally withd