‘Sizok’thola’ can’t escape the drama on and off screen
IT WOULD seem that the drama never stops with the Moja Love show Sizok’thola after the new presenter Xolani Maphanga was arrested for allegedly assaulting a suspected drug dealer.
The charges were later changed to attempted murder and trespassing.
Nonzwakazi Cekete, the spokesperson for Moja Love, addressed Maphanga’s arrest, saying it was a case of mistaken identity and that the presenter maintains he did not assault anyone during filming.
Maphanga handed himself over to police on Wednesday at Soshanguve police station, along with a member of his security detail after Moja Love executives were approached by the police, who said they wanted to charge Maphanga and his bodyguard with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm charges.
The two were remanded in custody until a bail hearing, according to the channel.
IOL approached the SA Police Services and the National Prosecuting Authority for comment.
The TV channel said the charges changed to attempted murder and trespassing when the two arrived in court.
“In the same meeting, the police indicated they were getting pressure from a top politician regarding the case that was opened by a woman drug lord, alongside her brothers, who were accusing Xolani and the bodyguards of assault,” said Cekete.
“The channel expressed concern that politicians were interfering with the work of the police. It was within this jurisdiction, that the crew found a corrupt cop collecting payola (bribe) from the drug lord.”
Cekete said Moja Love has footage to this effect and the channel would report this to the Independent Police Investigate Directorate (Ipid).
Cekete also said the channel has heard Maphanga’s side of the story. “The channel does not advocate for any ill-discipline, and should it discover that there were indeed any unlawful incidents on set, it will take the necessary steps,” said Cekete.
Maphanga was brought in as the new host after Moja Love parted ways with murder-accused presenter Xolani Khumalo last year.
Khumalo, his crew and members of a community group were arrested after the death of a suspected drug dealer, Robert “Kicks” Varrie, during a raid in Katlehong last year. The channel distanced itself from the alleged assault of suspected drug peddlers and dealers.
Earlier this month, Moja Love distanced itself from another production company that is shooting a show under the guise of Sizok’thola with Khumalo and crew.
“Sizok’thola is the intellectual property of Moja Love and Xolani Khumalo is using the concept of the channel, which amounts to breaking the law. The channel has sent him a ‘cease and desist’ letter and we will do everything in our power, within the law, to stop him.”
Khumalo hasn’t responded to IOL’S request for comment.
Sizok’thola season 3 starts on April 28 at 9.30pm on Dstv channel 157.