Moja Love puts 'Sizok'thola' on hold after showing Xolani Khumalo the door

Following Moja Love’s decision to terminate its relationship with Sizok’thola presenter Xolani Khumalo, the channel has shed more light on the circumstances that led the settlement.

In a statement shared with TshisaLIVE, the channel decided to part ways with the Sizok'thola host after concerns were raised about "his knowledge and involvement in the unlawful incidents that led to the possible contamination of crime scenes, failed prosecutions of known drug lords and unfortunate tragedies that followed the filming of certain episodes".

The statement says the channel also demanded answers pertaining to the identities of the beneficiaries of his foundation, the Xolani Khumalo Foundation, which he launched after the success of Sizok’thola.

"Moja Love has always been cautious to ensure that it abides by the strict letter of the law. To this end the channel continues to work closely with the South African Police Service [SAPS] to ensure that no person enriches themselves from the proceeds of crimes which are perpetuated by greedy individuals masquerading as non-profit organisations.

"It became clear that the channel’s relationship with Mr Khumalo had permanently 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.

"The channel had been providing legal and financial support to Mr Khumalo prior to the termination and it will continue to foster an environment of integrity, trust and respect."

The channel refuted Khumalo's claims of not being formally informed about the dismissal, saying they notified him through management however he failed to respond. 

"Mr Khumalo’s claims that he was not formally informed of the termination are false and untruthful. He was duly informed by the channel’s management but failed to respond."

In September the foundation revealed Khumalo had handed himself over to police at the Katlehong North police station as he faces murder charge in connection with the filming of the show where an alleged drug dealer died when Khumalo and his team visited him.

The channel said they chose not to "turn a blind eye to reports of injuries or death during filming of any of our shows" as they await to let justice take its course, and resorted to putting the show on hold. 

"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 SAPS following our meeting. This is to ensure that the druglords and dealers are removed from the streets and go behind bars and everything is done side by side with law enforcement.

"We are pleased to inform our viewers that the show has not been cancelled but has been paused so that the channel can strengthen its procedures and authority to avoid any further unfortunate incidents or loss of lives."