The City of Johannesburg is nearing the completion of an agreement with controversial TV presenter Xolani Khumalo, who is currently out on bail after being accused of murder.

As part of the city’s ongoing efforts to combat crime, Mgcini Tshwaku, the MMC for Public Safety, confirmed that the city will continue collaborating with both private companies and individuals, including Khumalo. The TV presenter is scheduled to face trial in 2025 on charges that include murder, robbery, and damage to property.

These charges stem from an incident which took place in 2023, where Khumalo and his TV crew were accused of torturing a suspected drug dealer, who later died from his injuries. Despite these allegations, Khumalo has been seen participating in a recent crime-fighting operation in Hillbrow, alongside law enforcement officials.

Tshwaku explained that Khumalo and his team had provided valuable intelligence that led to the arrest of a drug dealer. He noted, “I ask myself, ‘why can’t we use the service of Xolani, because he has these skills? Why not him, when other security services and NGOs are being used across the province?’”

The partnership with Xolani Khumalo began in 2024, and Tshwaku emphasized that while the legal process must run its course, the city is not seeking to prosecute Khumalo in the meantime. “He wants to help, but when he enters the field, he must be taken to court. Let the court decide,” Tshwaku added.