MMC of Public Safety distances JMPD from fatal shooting during Sizok'Thola filming
ActionSA’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Xolani Khumalo, known for confronting drug syndicates on Sizok’thola, who was present when his security team fatally shot a Nigerian man during an anti-crime operation in Linden, Windsor East, Johannesburg.
Image: FILE
The City of Johannesburg's Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, has firmly distanced himself and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) from a tragic incident that unfolded during the filming of the South African TV show, Sizok'Thola. This show, anchored by ActionSA councillor Xolani Khumalo, witnessed the fatal shooting of an alleged Nigerian drug dealer on Sunday in Linden, Windsor East, Johannesburg.
ActionSA has confirmed Khumalo was present during the shooting, which occurred as part of an anti-drug operation. The party stood by Khumalo, asserting that he is committed to combating drug trafficking within local communities through his television programme.
However, the MMC and his department were quick to clarify their non-involvement in the incident, countering media reports that suggested otherwise.
"The Public Safety MMC in the City of Johannesburg, Councillor, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, notes the misleading reporting in Timeslive that the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) was part of an operation where an alleged drug dealer was killed," stated the City of Johannesburg in an official communication.
Dr Tshwaku articulated that the JMPD had no knowledge of the operation and only provided backup to the South African Police Service (SAPS) as tensions escalated when community members began to protest.
MMC for Public Safety Dr Mgcini Tshwaku who has denied the Johannesburg Metro Police Department's involvement in the fatal shooting during an anti-drug operation involving a TV production filming.
Image: TIMOTHY BERNARD Independent Newspapers
Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, spokesperson for Gauteng police, confirmed the unfolding events, indicating that shots were fired during the filming of Sizok'Thola, allegedly by the security team accompanying the production.
"Preliminary investigations indicated that a production company was filming in the area and that shots were fired, allegedly by the production team’s security," she said.
A murder case has since been opened, heralding an ongoing investigation into the incident.
In a statement, ActionSA reiterated its commitment to countering drug syndicates that have long been terrorising communities.
"For too long, drug syndicates have terrorised our communities through violence, intimidation, and total disregard for the law," the party lamented, underlining their support for Khumalo’s efforts to dismantle drug networks in Johannesburg.
This incident is not Khumalo's first brush with controversy. Just last month, he turned himself in at the Katlehong police station amid reports of his impending arrest linked to a previous incident, where he and two others allegedly assaulted a man during an earlier drug bust. Following that incident, Khumalo was granted bail and his case was postponed until February for further investigation, showcasing the ongoing legal challenges faced by the anti-drug activist turned politician.
The anti-drug activist-turned-politician was subsequently granted R2,000 bail after appearing before the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court. His matter was postponed to February for further investigation.
siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za