Why ActionSA’s Xolani Khumalo is handing himself to police over assault claims

ActionSA has announced that its Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Councillor Xolani Khumalo, will voluntarily present himself to the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Monday, 19 January 2026, following reports that police intend to arrest him over alleged assault charges.

According to the party, the planned handover comes after information allegedly leaked from within SAPS suggested that Khumalo was about to be arrested in connection with an incident dating back to 2025, involving a man who has reportedly admitted to being a drug dealer. Rather than evade the process, ActionSA says Khumalo took the initiative to contact the police directly to clarify their intentions and agreed to submit himself to the authorities.

ActionSA maintains that the case forms part of what it describes as a pattern of intimidation and harassment directed at Khumalo due to his outspoken stance against crime in Ekurhuleni. The party argues that the mayoral candidate’s actions have made him a target for criminal elements who feel threatened by his efforts to expose and confront illicit activities.

The alleged assault charge stems from a police operation in Katlehong in 2025, during which Khumalo was present while officers raided the home of a suspected drug dealer. During that operation, SAPS reportedly discovered unlicensed ammunition, leading to the suspect’s arrest. However, ActionSA claims the suspect was later released without appearing in court, and, in a controversial move, the ammunition was allegedly returned to him.

Following his release, the suspect reportedly laid an assault complaint against Khumalo. ActionSA insists the charge is fabricated and questions why the police are now pursuing this case while the original suspect was never prosecuted. The party further alleges that the same individual may be linked to a wider drug distribution network involving corrupt SAPS members — claims that ActionSA says are currently under investigation in collaboration with law enforcement oversight structures.

The party also highlighted another incident during a recent by-election campaign in Etwatwa, where Khumalo reportedly became aware of an individual selling drugs to schoolchildren. According to ActionSA, the suspect was arrested after being found in possession of illegal substances, yet no charges followed — a situation the party says underscores deep-rooted flaws within the criminal justice system.

ActionSA leadership has vowed to stand firmly behind Khumalo when he hands himself over on Monday. National chairperson Michael Beaumont described the situation as emblematic of a justice system that, in his view, too often fails communities by allowing criminals to evade accountability while scrutinising those who challenge criminality.

“This experience is not new to Khumalo,” Beaumont said, adding that South Africans are increasingly aware of corruption within certain elements of SAPS. “Criminals are allowed to walk free, while individuals who actively fight crime are placed under pressure.”

While acknowledging that Khumalo has previously faced legal scrutiny — including an arrest related to the murder of Robert Varrie, a case that was later dropped — ActionSA argues that history shows allegations against him have not held up under proper legal examination.

As Khumalo prepares to hand himself over, ActionSA says it will closely monitor the process and expose any evidence of political or criminal interference. The party has also called on South Africans, regardless of political affiliation, to support efforts to root out police corruption and protect those who challenge organised crime.

For ActionSA, the episode represents more than a legal dispute; it is framed as a broader test of accountability, integrity, and the rule of law in South Africa’s fight against crime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is Xolani Khumalo handing himself over to the police?
He is responding to reports that SAPS intends to arrest him over alleged assault charges linked to a 2025 incident.

What does ActionSA say about the assault allegation?
The party claims the charge is false and was laid by a self-confessed drug dealer following a police raid.

When will Khumalo report to SAPS?
He is expected to hand himself over on Monday, 19 January 2026.

Has Khumalo faced legal issues before?
Yes, he was previously arrested in connection with a murder case, but the charges were later dropped.

What is ActionSA’s stance on the matter?
ActionSA believes the case is politically and criminally motivated and has pledged to monitor the process closely.