Johannesburg – A high-intensity raid in Joburg inner city turned chaotic on Wednesday, March 5 (2025) as law enforcement and anti-crime activists launched a sweeping operation to dismantle drug networks and illegal activities.
NOWinSA, South Africa’s fastest-growing digital news platform, released exclusive footage showing authorities uncovering counterfeit alcohol production in a residential flat and seizing unidentified pills during the sting.
Key details of the raid
- Counterfeit alcohol bust: A makeshift bottling operation was discovered in a bathroom, with suspected fake alcohol packaged for distribution.
- Mystery pills: A cache of unlabeled pills was confiscated, pending forensic analysis.
- Targeted focus: The operation aimed to cleanse the CBD of drug trafficking, illicit goods, and undocumented immigrants.
Watch (below): Footage of the raid, including Xolani Khumalo’s team in action and the counterfeit alcohol setup, available on @NOWinSA X platform.
Xolani Khumalo’s role
Former ‘Sizok’thola‘ TV presenter and anti-drug crusader Xolani Khumalo, alongside his foundation’s crew, joined the operation, led by Johannesburg Public Safety MMC, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku. Khumalo, renowned for his undercover drug-busting work, was filmed actively participating in the raid—a move hailed by locals as “the Lord’s work.”
Pre-Operation Statement:
Ahead of the raid, Tshwaku, vowed action:
“A massive drug bust is underway! JMPD, led by my office, in collaboration with TRU, SAPS, and the Xolani Khumalo Foundation, is conducting a targeted operation to dismantle drug networks. We are reclaiming our streets from illegal substances. The message is clear: We will not tolerate lawlessness!,” he shared on X.
The operation brought together Johannesburg Metro Police (JMPD), Tactical Response Unit (TRU), SAPS, and Khumalo’s foundation—a rare collaboration between formal law enforcement and civilian crime-fighting groups.
NOW Read: Victim Empowerment Report on SA crime trends
Public Reaction
NOWinSA’s video footage sparked viral engagement, with citizens praising the crackdown while questioning the prevalence of counterfeit goods and undocumented immigrants in the CBD. Critics, however, raised concerns about long-term sustainability and due process.
