Attempted Murder Charges Leveled Against Former Sizok’thola Presenter Xolani Khumalo in Tembisa Shooting
In a shocking incident that occurred on New Year’s Eve, former Sizokuthola presenter Xolani Khumalo has been accused of following a man to his Tembisa home and shooting him in the arm.
The said incident, which reportedly took place in the Motaung section of Tembisa, was initially kept under wraps.
High-Speed Chase and Shooting: Details of the New Year’s Eve Incident Unveiled
According to a police statement seen by Sunday World, the victim, identified as Xolani Shabangu, reported that he was driving on a street in the area when he noticed a silver Ford Ranger with an unknown registration number tailing him.
Fearing for his safety, Shabangu accelerated, but the bakkie continued to pursue him relentlessly.
Amid the frantic pursuit, individuals in the Ford Ranger reportedly unleashed a barrage of gunfire at Shabangu’s vehicle. Despite the perilous situation, Shabangu succeeded in reaching his home and pulling into the driveway. However, upon disembarking from his vehicle, he was confronted by two assailants from the Ford Ranger who proceeded to shoot him in the right arm.
Shabangu claimed to have recognized Xolani Khumalo as one of the armed men that shot him. Subsequently, he filed a case of attempted murder against Khumalo at the Tembisa Police Station.
Following the incident, Shabangu received medical treatment for the gunshot wound and was later discharged from the hospital.
Mistaken Identity: Police Initially Pursue Wrong Suspect in Attempted Murder Case
However, a surprising turn of events unfolded during the investigation. Detectives mistakenly visited the home of the new Sizok’thola presenter, Xolani Maphanga, leaving a note for him to appear at the police station. When Maphanga arrived, the police intended to arrest him for attempted murder, but he vehemently denied any involvement and insisted they had mistaken him for someone else.
Further inquiry revealed that it was Xolani Khumalo who was allegedly responsible for the shooting, not the new Sizokuthola presenter, Maphanga.
Out-of-Court Settlement Reached after Alleged Shooting Involving Xolani Khumalo
Sources indicate that Shabangu subsequently withdrew the case after reaching an out-of-court settlement agreement with Khumalo.
Legal Woes Continue for Xolani Khumalo: Murder Trial and Additional Charges
This development adds to Khumalo’s legal troubles, as he is already facing a murder charge for the death of Robert Valerie, an East Rand man. Valerie reportedly died during an incident where a Sizok’thola crew, led by Khumalo, confronted him about alleged drug dealing.
In addition to the murder charge, Khumalo is also facing accusations of malicious damage to property and robbery with aggravating circumstances. He appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court last month, and the case was postponed to April 11 due to the state not receiving video footage of the alleged incident from the Moja Love channel, which broadcasts the show.