Ex-Sizok’thola presenter Xolani Khumalo rebuilding life after charges withdrawn
Former Sizok’thola presenter Xolani Khumalo says he is slowly rebuilding his life after several serious charges against him — including murder — were provisionally withdrawn by the State. Khumalo, who was once celebrated as a bold anti-drug crusader on national television, has spent the past year entangled in a legal battle that saw him go from a media darling to a man fighting for his freedom.
From National Hero to Courtroom Regular
Before his arrest in 2023, Khumalo rose to national prominence as the face of Sizok’thola, a controversial show on Moja Love where he and his crew confronted alleged drug dealers in communities across South Africa. His direct approach and on-camera busts earned him praise from many viewers, particularly on social media, where fans admired his no-nonsense stance against the country’s drug epidemic.
But his popularity took a hit when Robert Varrie, a suspected drug dealer, died shortly after an encounter with Khumalo and his team. Varrie was allegedly tortured at his Katlehong home during the filming of an episode of Sizok’thola. He later died in hospital, prompting a police investigation and Khumalo’s subsequent arrest.
Provisional Withdrawal of Charges
On Monday, Khumalo appeared briefly in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court, where he was expecting his long-awaited trial to begin. Instead, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced that the charges against him — including murder, assault, and kidnapping — were being provisionally withdrawn due to outstanding investigations.
NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane explained that while the State is not abandoning the case, investigators require more time to conclude critical elements before proceeding.
“The matter has been provisionally withdrawn to allow the investigators to finalise certain aspects of the case. This does not mean the charges cannot be reinstated in the future,” she said.
For now, however, Khumalo walks free.
A New Beginning
Following the court decision, Khumalo spoke candidly about the toll the case has taken on his life and career.
“I can finally pick up the pieces of my life,” he said outside court. “A lot has happened, and I have lost a lot of things. I’m hoping this will open more opportunities to work.”
The former TV host also revealed how the events of the past year forced him to reflect on his life, actions, and purpose. “It has been the toughest time of my life, but I never stopped believing that the truth would come out,” he said.
Still Committed to Fighting Drugs
Despite the controversy and the personal loss he has experienced, Khumalo says his mission to fight the drug trade in South Africa is far from over.
“I may have been silenced for a while, but I haven’t given up. Drugs are destroying our communities, and I still believe in doing something about it,” he said. Whether or not this means a return to television remains unclear.
Moja Love has not confirmed if Khumalo will return to Sizok’thola or any of its programming in the near future. The broadcaster previously distanced itself from the show following the incident that led to Varrie’s death and Khumalo’s legal troubles.
Public Reaction Mixed
The provisional withdrawal of charges has sparked mixed reactions online. Some South Africans celebrated the news, seeing it as justice for a man they consider a “community hero.” Others have called for a full investigation and accountability, emphasizing that the justice system must be fair, even for those who appear to be doing good.
For now, Khumalo says he’s just grateful for the chance to start again — and hopes that one day, the full truth will be known.
