ActionSA has confirmed that its Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate and television presenter, Xolani Khumalo, will voluntarily hand himself over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Monday, 19 January 2026, following indications that police intend to arrest him in connection with an assault case.

In a statement released on Friday, ActionSA said Khumalo took the decision to present himself to police after becoming aware of what the party described as leaks from within SAPS pointing to an imminent arrest related to an incident involving a self-confessed drug dealer.

The party said Khumalo proactively approached SAPS to seek clarity on their intentions after reports of the planned arrest emerged in the public domain. During engagements with police, Khumalo agreed to hand himself over voluntarily, a move ActionSA described as an act of cooperation with law enforcement despite what it termed the continued harassment of crime fighters.

According to ActionSA, the case against Khumalo stems from a 2025 police operation in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, where he was present during a raid on the home of a suspected drug dealer. Police allegedly discovered unlicensed ammunition and arrested the suspect. However, ActionSA claims the suspect was later released without appearing in court and that the ammunition was returned to him.

The party said the suspect subsequently opened a case of assault against Khumalo, which police are now pursuing. Khumalo is reportedly facing charges of common assault and pointing of a firearm, allegations ActionSA insists are unfounded.

ActionSA further alleged that the complainant is linked to a broader drug-dealing network and claimed there are allegations of collusion between the suspect and certain SAPS members. The party said it is working with law enforcement agencies to investigate these claims.

The confirmation comes amid growing tension between community crime-fighting groups and police in parts of Ekurhuleni. Earlier this week, a source at Ramokonopi SAPS in Katlehong told African Times that police had arrested the chairperson of the Gauteng Anti-Crime Fight Unit and were also looking for Khumalo in connection with the same case opened by the drug dealer arrested in December.

ActionSA said it views the developments as further evidence of a criminal justice system that targets those who confront criminality while allegedly allowing drug dealers to evade accountability.

National Chairperson Michael Beaumont said ActionSA would stand firmly behind Khumalo when he hands himself over to the police.

“ActionSA will join Xolani Khumalo on Monday in solidarity with him and with every South African who understands the price paid for waging war against criminals,” Beaumont said.

He warned that the party would closely monitor how SAPS handles the matter and would not hesitate to expose any alleged corruption behind the case.

ActionSA has called on South Africans, across political lines, who are frustrated by crime and allegations of police corruption, to support Khumalo as he submits himself to the legal process.

Crime Intelligence head Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, when appearing before the Ad Hoc Committee on Thursday, alleged that nearly all police members in Gauteng are working with criminal cartels.

SAPS had not commented on the matter at the time of publication.