Moja Love CEO Aubrey Tau and the newly appointed presenter of the contentious drug-busting program, Sizokuthola, Xolani Maphanga, have retreated into hiding following alleged threats on their lives by a purported drug dealer, City Press reported.
Following the shutdown of a drugs operation in Gauteng linked to Russian drug lords, there are reports that Xolani Maphanga, the new host of Sizokthola, along with the channel’s official, Aubrey Tau, are in hiding due to fears for their safety. Allegedly, hitmen have been contracted with payments of up to R500k to target them.
After the departure of former Moja Love drug buster Xolani Khumalo, much speculation surrounded the successor for Sizok’thola, until Moja Love unveiled X-repo presenter Xolani “X” Maphanga as the new face of the show, set to return in April.
“Xolani is not new to Moja Love’s screens, as he currently presents X-Repo and comes with a wealth of experience to deliver this captivating show,” the channel stated. “He will be sweeping the streets of South Africa clean together with law enforcement while rooting out drugs and exposing drug dealers, including drug lords. From the leafy suburbs to ekasi, Xolani will leave no stone unturned.
City Press had also previously reported Maphanga as one of the three contenders for the role. Hailing from Tembisa in Ekurhuleni, Maphanga expressed his honor in aiding communities in the fight against drugs: “I have witnessed the impact of drugs on the youth, including how they leave families scarred for life. It gives me great honor to contribute to a social justice program and a show that tackles the scourge of drugs head-on.”
The former Sizokuthola host, Khumalo, presented two seasons of the show before being terminated in November amid allegations of involvement in a murder case after an alleged drug dealer died following a Sizok’thola crew visit.
Co-heads of Moja Love, Shoki Zama and Livhuwani Dagada, expressed excitement about the show’s return, noting Maphanga’s leadership, who will be joined by sniffer dogs in the fight against drugs.
Source Harare live
