Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Xolani Khumalo's supporters in tense wait for his fate

Supporters of ActionSA’s mayoral candidate for the City of Ekurhuleni, Xolani Khumalo, are anxiously waiting outside the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court to find out whether he will be appearing on Monday or spending the night behind bars. 

The crime activist turned politician handed himself over to police this on Monday morning and was subsequently charged with assault and pointing a firearm. 

The charges relate to an incident that took place last year, where Khumalo and two other individuals allegedly assaulted an adult male during a reported drug-bust operation. 

From the Katlehong Police Station on to the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court, Xolani Khumalo’s supporters have been in a loud voice. 

Placards written with the hashtag #handsoffxolani capture the general mood of the crowd. 

One supporter, Bongani Dlamini, said Khumalo is doing what the police are failing to do, which is fight the scourge of drugs in townships. 

“We are really saddened by what’s happening in this court. It doesn’t make sense to us. This man is fighting for South Africans to make sure our communities are safe from crime. How can they arrest him?”

EWN understands Khumalo has been transferred from the police station to the court, and officials are working to have him appear.