Latest news with #Magaqa
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Police to launch investigation into hitman's confession in Magaqa murder
Sindiso Magaqa was killed in 2017. Image: Supplied A former KwaZulu-Natal south coast municipality senior official, believed to be one of the masterminds behind the murder of the former ANC Youth League leader, Sindiso Magaqa, could be added to the three accused when they appear in the Pietermaritzburg High Court next week. The official was named by the confessed hitman, Sibusiso Ncengwa, when he pleaded guilty to killing Magaqa last week. In his 13-page affidavit, Ncengwa, who is already serving a long jail term for his involvement in a cash heist, detailed how Magaqa's murder was planned and executed. He named the official and late Harry Gwala District Municipality Mluleki Ndobe as the mastermind behind Magaqa's murder, who he said hired him and other accused to assassinate the former ANC Youth League leader, who was an ANC councillor in Umzimkhulu at the time. Ndobe and the official were arrested in 2018; however, they were released due to insufficient evidence at the time. Ncengwa, businessman Mbulelo Mpofana, former policeman Sibonelo Myeza, and Mlungisi Ncalane were arrested in 2018 and charged with Magaqa's murder. They would be back in court on Thursday, June 19, 2025, except Ncengwa, who will return at the end of the month for sentencing after the State accepted his guilty plea. Reacting to the confession, police provincial spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the new allegations would be investigated by the case's investigating officer. "The investigating officer of the case is in court, so if there is new evidence or allegations coming out in court in relation to the case, of course, he would have to investigate," said Netshiunda. However, he warned that police do not arrest people simply because they are named in a crime, but investigate and determine the next step. Police are also expected to investigate the alleged involvement of the National Prosecuting Authority officials and a former journalist after the hitman also revealed their roles. Ncengwa also revealed shocking details about the role played by the SAPS's Crime Intelligence Unit members in the planning and execution of Magaqa's killing; however, police said the allegations against officers would be referred to either Hawks or the Independent Police Investigating Directorate (IPID) According to Ncengwa, the police purchased the AK-47 they used to murder Magaqa with slush funds. He added that they bought a Mercedes-Benz that was used for trips to Durban and Umzimkhulu. He added that by escorting their vehicle on the day of Magaqa's shooting, the police ensured that no officers would arrest them while travelling to Durban. The police officer who did this was compensated R20,000. The hitman provided details about the NPA's involvement, stating that he would have confessed a long time ago had the agency not attempted to stop him.
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
ANC Youth League SG Sindiso Magaqa's killer pleads guilty
Magaqa was shot in July 2017 and succumbed to his injuries after spending time in the hospital. Sibusiso Ncengwa, the fourth accused in the murder trial of former ANC Youth League secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa, has pleaded guilty. Ncengwa, Sbonelo Myeza, Mlungisi Ncalane and Mbulelo Mpofana are all charged with the murder of Magaqa. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said Ncalane was subsequently declared unfit to stand trial and is currently admitted to a psychiatric facility. Guilty plea Ramkisson-Kara said on 25 April 2023, four men were charged with the murder of Magaqa, and all pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. 'On 22 May 2025, Sibusiso Ncengwa (Accused 4) advised the court of his intention to plead guilty or make admissions in terms of Section 220 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1997. He also made an application for a separation of trials from his co-accused.' Ramkisson-Kara said the state opposed this application, and the case was remanded to 06 June 2025 for Ncengwa to make the Section 220 admissions. ALSO READ: Two arrested and charged for IFP deputy chief whip's 'assassination' 'On 06 June 2025, in the Pietermaritzburg High Court, Ncengwa admitted to shooting Magaqa on 13 July 2017 in the uMzimkhulu area.' Attempted murder Ramkisson-Kara added that Ncengwa also admitted to the attempted murder of Jabulile Msiya, Nonsikelelo Mafa and Nceba Mazongolo. 'Ncengwa further admitted to malicious damage to property (the vehicles of Magaqa and others) and the joint unlawful possession of a firearm. 'In his admissions, Ncengwa outlined in detail the events leading up to Magaqa's death and the interactions he had with his co-accused, namely Myeza, Ncalane, and Mpofana. His admissions were accepted by the state, and these admissions amounted to a plea of guilty,' Ramkisson-Kara said. Sentencing Ramkisson-Kara said the court found Ncengwa guilty based on his admissions and convicted him accordingly. 'The case against Ncengwa was remanded to 30 June 2025 for sentencing. The case against Myeza and Mpofana will return to court on 19 June 2025 for a new indictment to be served on them as their matter has now been separated from that of accused 4 (Ncengwa).' Magaqa was shot in July 2017 and succumbed to his injuries after spending time in the hospital. The state has thus far presented evidence from eight witnesses. ALSO READ: WATCH: KZN police investigating shooting of MK Party member in apparent hit
