ActionSA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Xolani Khumalo is expected back in court as his assault trial resumes following another postponement last month.
Image: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers
The assault trial of ActionSA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Xolani Khumalo and his co-accused, is set to resume at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.
The pair face charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) following last month’s postponement.
On April 23, Khumalo’s assault trial was postponed once again.
Khumalo made a brief appearance in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, where the matter was postponed to Thursday, May 14, 2026.
The case was stood down to allow for further preparation after the prosecution reportedly cited the absence of the prosecutor.
The trial involving the television crime fighter-turned-politician is now expected to begin.
Khumalo handed himself over to police in January after an assault case was opened against him the previous month.
He maintains the case is part of a smear campaign aimed at undermining him and his efforts to combat drug-related crime in the city.
The charges stem from an incident during an anti-drug operation in Katlehong in December 2025.
Khumalo faces charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and pointing a firearm.
He handed himself over at the South African Police Service (SAPS) on January 19, 2026, following the complaint.
At the time of the alleged assault, Khumalo was participating in a police drug bust.
ActionSA has long described the case as an attempt to intimidate Khumalo.
The party said the trial followed what it called a “false assault” complaint made by a self-confessed drug dealer.
“The party is pleased that the matter will now be thoroughly examined in court, allowing the legal process to determine the facts surrounding the case,” ActionSA Ekurhuleni mayoral spokesperson Tumelo Tshabalala, previously said.
“ActionSA remains clear that this is a pathetic attempt to intimidate Khumalo, which only exposes the desperation of the corrupt syndicates that have operated with impunity in Ekurhuleni for far too long.
“Their impunity is now being challenged by a crime fighter unwilling to allow his country to be destroyed by criminals.”
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