Moja Love has revealed more details about why it ended its relationship with Sizok’thola presenter Xolani Khumalo, who is facing a murder charge for a drug dealer’s death during filming. The channel said it questioned Khumalo about his involvement in unlawful conduct that contaminated the crime scenes and prevented the prosecution of the drug lords. The channel also asked him to disclose the beneficiaries of his foundation, which he launched using the show’s popularity, creating a conflict of interest. Channel spokesperson Nonzwakazi Cekete said: “It became clear that the channel’s relationship with Mr. Khumalo had broken down when he could not provide the channel with satisfactory answers to its questions and when further information which the channel is not at liberty to disclose at this stage came to light,”.
Khumalo, through his Xolani Khumalo Foundation, denied that he was informed of the termination of his contract and claimed that he was still negotiating with the channel and the company. “Xolani Khumalo and the Foundation were under the impression that negotiations were ongoing with both the company and the channel. Regrettably, Xolani Khumalo has been unable to establish contact with the company’s representative for any comment or further discussion,” the statement said. The channel dismissed Khumalo’s claims and said he was duly informed by the channel’s management but failed to respond. “We cannot turn a blind eye to reports of injuries and death during filming of any of our shows and we eagerly await the outcome of the legal case that is currently in court,” Cekete added.
The channel said that the show has not been cancelled but has been paused to improve its procedures and authority to avoid more tragedies or loss of lives. “MOJA LOVE remains steadfast in wanting to create content like Sizok’thola in order to rid our society of drug dealers roaming the streets and killing the future of our country. The channel is in the process of signing a memorandum of agreement with the South African Police Service (SAPS) following our meeting. This is to ensure that the drug lords and dealers are removed from the streets and go behind bars and everything is done side by side with law enforcement,” Cekete added. Khumalo surrendered to the police in September and has appeared twice in court. He will be back in court on November 21st.