By Rorisang Modiba
Xolani Maphanga, the new host of the ‘Sizok’thola’ drug-busting show on Moja Love, faces accusations of assault.
Having just replaced the previous host on MojaLove’s ‘Sizok’thola’, Maphanaga is now in the spotlight due to claims of assault.
The controversy came up less than four weeks after he joined the show, with recent accusations stemming from an incident during a filming session in Soshanguve, Pretoria, on 14 March.
Police in Gauteng have verified that a case of assault with the intent of causing grievous bodily harm has been opened and filed at Soshanguve Police Station.
Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo reported that the case is currently under investigation and that no arrests have not been yet.
“Police can’t divulge more information on this case as it might compromise the investigation,” he said.
Allegedly the ‘Sizok’thola’ crew, led by the new host Xolani Maphanga, is accused of assaulting a woman and two men in Soshanguve during a drug bust.
TimesLIVE has obtained images showing the injuries of the victims. A female victim was reportedly choked, beaten on her body, and splashed with water.
Channel spokesperson Nonzwakazi Cekete acknowledged the accusations against the show’s production team, praising their efforts in fighting drug distribution from the streets.
Cekete explained the team’s cooperation with the police, mentioning a tip-off from a police constable about a drug dealer named Tebogo, and the suspected involvement of Tebogo’s family in drug dealing.
She said the channel is committed to combating drugs in collaboration with law enforcement and the community, ensuring that they stay within the law. She said drugs worth R3 million were recovered.
Cekete introduced the DAG K9 Services, a new unit using trained sniffer dogs to detect drugs, emphasizing a non-violent approach.
She said Xolani Khumalo, a former show host, is facing trial for murder related to an incident during the show’s filming. His trial continues on 11 April 2024.
Pictured image: Xolani Maphanga
Image source: X
