Johannesburg Public Safety MMC Councillor Dr Mgcini Tshwaku has denied reports that the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) was involved in an operation during which an alleged drug dealer was killed.
Tshwaku clarified that the JMPD had no knowledge of the operation and was not part of it.
“The JMPD only responded to a request for backup from the South African Police Service (SAPS) when the community started revolting because of the incident. TimesLive and other news agencies are encouraged to get their facts straight before going public. We encourage the law to take its course and for all those involved to be held accountable,” Tshwaku said.
The statement follows a deadly incident on Sunday, January 8, when an anti-drug operation in Ekurhuleni escalated into a shootout, leaving Nigerian national Emeka Clement Uzor dead.
ActionSA’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Xolani Khumalo, was present at the scene to motivate and support the operation team but was unarmed and not involved in the raid itself.
Siyanda Makhubo, ActionSA’s Ekurhuleni spokesperson, said Khumalo “was there to address, offer support and motivate the team,” and confirmed that he left before the operation began.
Khumalo has built a national profile as a crime and safety advocate, working to expose criminal syndicates and protect communities.
Reaffirming his stance against criminal activity, Khumalo said, “For too long, drug syndicates have terrorised our communities through violence, intimidation and total disregard for the law. That era must and will end.”
He also highlighted ActionSA’s 10-Point Action Plan to Fix Ekurhuleni, with Safety and Law Enforcement at its core, including measures such as cleaning up the EMPD, establishing specialised units to dismantle drug syndicates, deploying crime-detection technology, and reskilling and capacitating Community Policing Forums to respond rapidly to criminal threats.
This is not Khumalo’s first high-profile interaction with law enforcement. On January 19, he voluntarily handed himself over to SAPS after reports of a possible arrest in a disputed assault case.
ActionSA said the charge stems from a 2025 SAPS operation in Katlehong, during which Khumalo was present while officers raided a suspected drug dealer’s premises. According to the party, the suspect later filed a false assault charge against Khumalo and is allegedly linked to broader criminal networks.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) strongly condemned the killing of Uzor, calling it “brutal and senseless.”
“Mr. Uzor, from Nkerefi, Enugu State, was mercilessly executed with over 12 bullets while seated in his vehicle. This heinous act endangered innocent lives with stray bullets damaging nearby cars.”
NUSA has called on South African authorities, including the Minister and National Commissioner of Police, to conduct a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation, ensuring all perpetrators face the full force of the law.
The union also urged the Nigerian government to actively engage with South African authorities to protect its nationals and advised the Nigerian community in South Africa to remain calm while justice is pursued.
“This tragic event is a stark reminder of the recurring violence against Nigerian nationals in South Africa. We urge the Nigerian government, through diplomatic offices, to engage actively with South African counterparts to safeguard our community. To all Nigerians living in South Africa, NUSA advises calm and peaceful conduct while we work tirelessly with relevant authorities to seek justice and closure for the family and friends of Mr. Uzor,” it stated.
NUSA extended its condolences to Uzor’s family. “We pray for strength for the bereaved family and will continue working tirelessly with the relevant authorities to seek justice and closure.”
The Star
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