The matter against former Sizokthola TV presenter Xolani Khumalo has been postponed by the Gauteng High Court division sitting in Palm Ridge pending the delivery of video footage by Moja Love Channel. With over 100 supporters waiting for him outside the courtyard, Khumalo dressed in a black, grey and black Madiba styled shirt confidently sat in the dock while hearing his matter.
DELAYS
Stare prosecutor Pheello Vilakazi told the court that police investigations were incomplete because of the outstanding critical video footage from Moja Love TV channel. Vilakazi told the court that the video footage and another cellphone footage containing details of the incident that led to the death of drug dealer Robert Varrie in July 2023 in Katlehong had still not been received."During our last appearance, the State requested a further postponement for a memorandum for all who were there for the shoot to be present during the police’s identity parade. We also asked for the video footage which Moja Love promised to deliver to the investigating officer today". Vilakazi said the video was crucial in that it will assist in pinpointing people at the scene for the identity parade. "The Moja Love crew is causing delays. The state lodged a formal request to obtain the footage from Moja Love. They have prolonged the provision of the video. Today, they promised to provide it. We have made arrangements to obtain the video footage," Vilakazi said. The state further requested another postponement for further investigations. This morning, there was a meeting between the senior public prosecutor, the defence and the investigating officer.
PREJUDICE
Khumalo’s defence Advocate Prince Mafu objected to another postponement, saying it was prejudicing his client. "We offered the state reasonable time to do what was meant to be done. We have previously indicated that Khumalo is the sole breadwinner of his family. The longer the case drags, the more he remains on the sidelines of employment, and his family ultimately suffers. We are sitting in a situation where the court previously offered a three-month delay. We are again sitting with the same issues that were earlier canvassed. The timing and the delays will prejudice Khumalo. He will suffer irreparable suffering," Mafu said.
DON’T DISPAIR
After court proceedings, Khumalo thanked his supporters for coming out in their numbers. "This shows unity and loyalty, there’s a lot that’s happening and a lot that has happened. I don’t know if what happened in-court today was planned or not. The police were given enough time to investigate and bring whatever is need by the court, but they failed. So again, we have to wait for them to do their job. This goes to show that there’s laziness on the police side, it comprises me that’s waiting for results. It even compromises the job that we do because we find these drug selling culprits and hand them over to the police, but they release them." he said. Khumalo said South Africa relies on the public to fix things. "If we don’t take matters into our own hands, then nothing will happen. Relying on the government won’t work, I’ve been preaching that people need to mobilise themselves and fight drugs in their areas and not wait for me. We are in this situation because we love our country and our children so it’s up to us to bring change. If we don’t eradicate drugs in our areas, then we have failed. Let us not be shaken by media critics, this is not for content we know that the job I was doing at Moja love is now being done by somebody else, but that’s not the point. We must continue with our cause," he concluded. Varrie died on the day of the filming of Sizokthola episode. Khumalo is facing a charge of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and damage to property. The case has been postponed to 11 April.
