By Marcus Moloko
The assault case against ActionSA’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Xolani Khumalo, has been postponed to 23 February 2026.
Khumalo appeared briefly at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where the matter was rolled over for further proceedings, according to reports.
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Khumalo faces charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) and pointing a firearm.
The charges emanate from a December 2025 anti-drug operation in Katlehong by police, at which Khumalo was present. He remains out on R2,000 bail, which was granted during his initial court appearance in January.
Earlier this month, he was present during a fatal raid in Windsor East on 8 February, where a suspect was shot dead.
ActionSA has defended Khumalo, describing the legal actions against him as “harassment and retaliation” by criminal networks.
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The court appearance also comes against the backdrop of political confusion in Ekurhuleni.
On 17 February, Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza announced a late-night reshuffle of the mayoral committee, which included Khumalo as the new MMC for Community Services and By-Law Enforcement.
ActionSA, however, rejected the appointment outright, calling the announcement “entirely fabricated”.
Party leader Herman Mashaba said ActionSA would not join what he termed a “failing government” that has presided over service delivery collapse.
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National Chairperson Michael Beaumont added that the mayor’s attempt to appoint Khumalo was an effort to “relegate him to a writer of fines” rather than a genuine crime fighter, arguing that the by-law enforcement portfolio was too limited.
ActionSA maintains that Khumalo will remain its mayoral candidate for the 2026 elections.
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