By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former Moja Love TV presenter Xolani Khumalo is now facing two more charges as the murder case against him was postponed to next year.
Khumalo made a brief appearance in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.
Khumalo and the crew of his drug-busting TV show – Sizok’thola – targeted suspected drug peddlers in vigilante-styled confrontations.
The state requested the postponement as it mulls adding more charges against Khumalo.
Khumalo’s lawyer, Advocate Prince Mafu, said his client remains curious about the state’s plan, and the strength of their case against him.
“At the moment, we are not in the position to determine that because we have not yet had disclosure of the docket. So, we don’t know precisely what the state’s case is centred around and the kind of evidence that they have. All we can do now is wait in anticipation.”
The State also sought leave to conduct further investigations in respect of witnesses and an identity parade involving persons of interest in the case.
The family of Robert Varrie said when they went to view his body at the mortuary, his spine and ribs were broken and his face was beaten up to almost beyond recognition.
The family has always suspected that Khumalo did not act alone.
Prosecutor Pheelo Vilakazi said the State also believes the same.
“A1, which is the complainant in the matter, said that three persons were assaulting the deceased. All witnesses must attend an identity parade to establish who these two other assailants. All members of the TV show that were present must stand in the identity parade.”
The matter has been postponed to 22 February for further investigation and pretrial proceedings.
Last month Dstv show Moja Love announced that it had cut ties with the presenter.
It’s alleged Khumalo and his crew confronted Varrie at his Katlehong home after receiving tip-offs that he was involved in underhanded dealings.
During the encounter, Varrie was reportedly tortured and later died.
The TV presenter handed himself over to police in September and was released on R20,000 bail.