The new Sizok'thola presenter Xolani Maphanga was arrested and later released after three police realised that they had arrested the wrong Xolani. The police in Thembisa were looking for the former presenter of the show, Xolani Khumalo, who is linked to an attempted murder case. Maphanga, popularly known as X, has replaced Khumalo on the show.

MISTAKEN IDENTITY

According to information at ZiMoja's disposal, the crime was committed on 31 January, where Khumalo is alleged to have shot a man in the hand with a rifle. Maphanga was then arrested on 15 February after he was mistaken for Khumalo due to the fact that both Xolanis drive similar cars but in different colours. One of them drives silver grey bakkie while the other a gold bakkie. Xolani confirmed the incident to ZiMoja. "The incident did happen where I was arrested on attempted murder charges but later the charges were dropped because they had mistaken me for Xolani Khumalo," he said.

CHARGES WITHDRAWN BY VICTIM

Maphanga who was held by the police for a few hours says what hurt him most about the incident is that Khumalo is aware of his arrest but that he has never bothered to call and explain what is really going on. "We have known each other for years and he is supposed to call me and explain to me what is really happening. He has never called me but I was informed by the police that he did go to the police station in Thembisa. I was told he went to the station with his lawyer" he said. Maphanga is the new presenter for the show after the channel parted ways with Khumalo last year. Attempts to get comment from Khumalo proved fruitless as his phone rang unanswered but he blue ticked ZiMoja when the publication sent him WhatsApp messages. Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo confirmed the incident. "Police can confirm that a case of attempted murder was opened at Thembisa Police Station. However, the complainant withdrew the case, stating that they resolved the matter out of court," he said.