Nigerian Union SA wants Xolani Khumalo back behind bars, pending IPID investigation

by Nomonde Simelane

After narrowly escaping murder charges after they were provisionally dismissed at Palm Ridge, TV presenter Xolani Khumalo has found himself in hot water with the law as well as the Nigerian Union SA (NUSA), as IPID confirms an investigation into his involvement in a kidnapping and assault case.

Xolani Khumalo has become one of South Africa’s most popular TV show presenters, as his role in shows such as X-Repo and Sizok’thola has constantly been hailed by Moja Love viewers. According to these viewers, these shows have played a significant role in cleaning up the streets of South Africa and addressing important issues such as the prevalent drug abuse that has plagued various communities.

Unfortunately, Xolani’s determination to tackle such issues has put a target on his back and has made his mission even more difficult, as he appears to be getting pushback from some notable, powerful people who have allegedly tried to silence him by throwing him behind bars. In 2023, the popular Moja Love presenter faces charges of murder, robbery, and malicious damage to property after a showdown with some drug dealers resulted in the unfortunate death of Robert ‘Kicks’ Varrie, who was also a drug dealer.

Luckily for Xolani, April 2025 saw the charges levelled against him being provisionally withdrawn, as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) expressed that they would like to allow for further investigation, meaning that the presenter was not yet fully in the clear, as the charges could still be reinstated.

However, it appears that Xolani has found himself in hot water once again, as the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has called for his arrest, and has made allegations of assault and kidnapping against the presenter, in connection with a raid that occurred in Springs, Gauteng, this April. According to NUSA, Xolani and his Sizok’thola crew assaulted about seven Nigerian nationals, and kidnapped one with the name of Ani Prince Silas.

Not only does NUSA call for Xolani’s arrest, but they have also called for the release of Ani, as his whereabouts are still unknown to them, as well as for all those involved in this case to be held accountable, as they express frustration over what they believe is a “recurring pattern of xenophobic attacks against Nigerian Nationals”

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has confirmed that there is an investigation regarding an incident which took place in Springs, Gauteng, this April, but has not revealed whether or not there is an investigation against Xolani himself.

Also see: Xolani Khumalo is a free man