Xolani Khumalo may have stepped away from the spotlight of his television show combating drug trafficking, but his determination to eradicate the scourge has not dimmed.
When several children fell ill after allegedly consuming drug-laced baked goods sold during a service in Etwatwa, Ekurhuleni, Khumalo stepped in and continued with his activism.
The shocking incident prompted ActionSA’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate to apprehend the alleged dealer before handing him over to police.
Khumalo said the ordeal unfolded on November 8 while ActionSA members were repairing a large pothole in Ward 109, Etwatwa, as part of their by-election campaign. The church where the incident occurred was adjacent to their work site when congregants rushed to call for help.
“Members of the congregation approached us and reported strange behaviour among some of the young people after eating cookies they had bought outside the church. When questioned, the young man selling the cookies admitted they were laced with drugs. Police were immediately alerted, and he was apprehended.”
By the following day, five minors had fallen seriously ill and were rushed to the Phillip Moyo Clinic for urgent treatment. Khumalo confirmed that all were discharged the same day and are now recovering.
He said the suspect claimed selling drug-laced cookies was his “means of making a living.” However, the aftermath of the arrest has raised concerns after the suspect allegedly disappeared from police custody.
“We have not received confirmation from the Etwatwa Station Commander regarding the suspect’s detention or charges. It remains unclear which police station he was taken to, and records show he was never booked or charged. That is extremely worrying,” he explained.
Khumalo said the party has yet to receive forensic confirmation of the substances involved.
“We are still waiting for official reports confirming what type of drugs were consumed,” he added.
ActionSA’s Women’s Forum will visit the affected families to offer support and ensure the victims receive the necessary care.
Khumalo said the party remains steadfast in its mission to protect the youth and dismantle drug networks that prey on vulnerable communities.
“This incident highlights the urgent need for stronger community vigilance, proactive policing and decisive action to combat the spread of drugs,” he said.
He cautioned that drug dealers are getting crafty, disguising their products as food and drinks to target our youth. Parents must take charge, report suspicious activity, and talk to their children. Together, we can protect our kids and reclaim our streets.
Khumalo said ActionSA’s broader plan to fix Ekurhuleni is guided by its 10-Point Plan, which prioritises dismantling drug syndicates and holding criminals accountable.
“Those who undermine the rule of law have no place in our society,” he said.
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba commended Khumalo and the community for their swift response, describing the incident as a reflection of the country’s moral decay.
“Our country is rotten, rotten to the core. What kind of nation allows drug dealers to walk into a church and prey on children?” he said.
Mashaba said the party would continue to stand with communities fighting against drugs and crime.
“We will make sure these suspect faces justice and that those behind the drug trade in our communities are exposed. The fight against this evil is far from over,” he added.
The Star
masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za