Sizokthola New Presenter Xolani Maphanga Appears in Court for Attempted Murder
It seems the same issues plaguing former Sizokthola presenter Xolani Khumalo are also plaguing his successor Xolani Maphanga.
Maphanga, aged 39, along with Bongani Mkhabela (33), a Sizokthola bodyguard who also heads Tshenolo Private Investigation company, recently appeared at Soshanguve Magistrates’ Court facing an attempted murder charge.
Investigations Continue: Court Date Set for Xolani Maphanga’s Attempted Murder Case
The duo were released out of custody on bail of R 5000 each. They are expected back in court on the 21st of next month after the matter was postponed to allow further investigations. The two are facing 3 counts of attempted murder and trespassing, a schedule 5 offence.
The incident that landed the duo in hot water allegedly occurred on March 14, 2024, when Maphanga, Mkhabela, and unidentified Moja Love crew members visited a residence in Soshanguve where a suspected drug dealer allegedly stays. Failing to locate any drugs, they reportedly assaulted a woman using a sjambok and a taser and also suffocated her brother.
Also read: Sizok’thola Presenter Xolani Maphanga Maintains Innocence Amidst Attempted Murder Charge
Legal Response: Denials and Bail Conditions
The woman reported the incident to the police three days later. Subsequently, Maphanga and Mkhabela surrendered to the police on April 9, 2024, after a warrant for their arrest was issued.
During their court appearance, the duo denied the allegations through affidavits and sought bail, which the state didn’t oppose. However, the state requested conditions for their release, including no contact with witnesses and weekly reporting to the police.
Also read: Xolani Khumalo’s New Show Sparks Controversy: Moja LOVE Accuses Him of Breaking the Law
Public Reaction: Mzansi Weighs In on Xolani Maphanga’s Case
Reacting to the news, South Africans on X (formerly Twitter) threw their weight behind Xolani Maphanga. Others pointed out that now Bongani Mkhabela’s identity had been unveiled his life was now in danger. Here are some of the comments:
@gonca_tu:
Drug Lords will not go to jail without a fight back. Am behind Xolani and the team, 🤞🤞
@OhFlipItsVuyo:
We now know who owns @TshenoloPi 🤣🤣🤣 A certain Bongani Mkhabela. 🤣