Latest news with #PoliticalKillingsTaskTeam
The Citizen
13 hours ago
- The Citizen
Chief among two more arrested in KZN DA councillor murder case
The DA councillor was gunned down in front of his wife and children. The Political Killings Task Team in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has arrested two more suspects, including a chief, in connection with the murder of DA Councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu. Ndlovu was shot and killed in December 2023 at his home near Mpophomeni, in Howick. The 56-year-old chief was arrested along with a 26-year-old suspect who allegedly coordinated the councillor's murder from inside Pietermaritzburg Correctional Centre. Suspects to appear in court The pair faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Police national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe says the suspects are expected to appear before the Howick Magistrate's Court on Thursday, 31 July. They join Thobani Masobho Hlongwa, 31, Khayelihle Shabalala, 31, and a traditional leader under the Nxamalala Tribal Authority, Zwelithini Buthelezi, 43. Ndlovu's murder At the time of his death, Ndlovu was attached to the Umgeni Local Municipality at the time of his murder. He was shot more than 10 times in front of his wife and children outside their KwaZulu-Natal home. ALSO READ: Police make major breakthrough in Sindiso Magaqa murder case DA KZN provincial leader Francois Rodgers described Ndlovu as a humble servant who always put the needs of those he served above his own. 'He will be sorely missed,' Rodgers said. Following the chief whip's, the DA offered a R1 million reward for information that would lead to the conviction of the individuals who murdered him. 'We had lost hope' Speaking to the SABC in May, Ndlovu's younger brother Sthembiso said the arrest of Buthelezi – after handing himself over – brought some hope to the family. 'We had lost hope that the case will progress, but now the way things are going, we believe that everything will go accordingly. We are happy that he handed himself over to the police, even though we don't know his plan for that,' Sthembiso said. 'The death of our brother is still difficult to talk about. He left his wife and two children — one was just five months old. It's an uphill for his wife, who is now a single parent.' Watch the SABC interview with Sthembiso here: NOW READ: Man sentenced to life for murder of KZN ward councillor
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Arrest in Magaqa murder case brings family relief
Sindiso Magaqa was gunned down in 2017. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives The family of the assassinated former ANC youth secretary Sindiso Magaqa has welcomed the arrest of a former Umzimkhulu municipal manager. The manager was arrested by the Political Killings Task Team on Monday and will appear in the Umzimkhulu Magistrate's Court Tuesday. National police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, said the 55-year-old suspect was arrested on Monday in Malvern, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The manager was named by the convicted hitman, Sbusiso Ncengwa, alongside the late provincial legislature deputy Speaker, Mluleki Ndobe, as the ones who masterminded Magaqa's murder. Reacting to the news, Dr Lwazi Magaqa said the family was happy that the real alleged mastermind behind his brother's murder has been finally arrested, adding that the family will provide a comprehensive comment after his appearance on Tuesday. 'We are happy that he has finally been arrested; however, we will give our full comment after his appearance tomorrow," said Magaqa. Ncengwa was recently sentenced to 25 years in prison following his confession to the murder and implication of several people, including the two accused, Sibonelo Myeza and Mbulelo Mpofana. The third accomplice, Mlungisi Ncalane, will not see his day in court as he had been declared mentally unfit to stand trial and has been confined to a mental institution. Ncengwa is now expected to testify against the two other accused, who were allegedly present during Magaqa's shooting on July 13, 2017. Magaqa died in September of the same year. Two councillors, Jabulile Msiya and Nonsikelelo Mafa, who were with Magaqa during the attack at a car wash, were also shot but survived. Another alleged accomplice, Jabulani Mdunge, who allegedly sprayed Magaqa and others with AK-47 bullets, died in a shootout with police. During the mitigation of his sentence, Ncengwa confessed that a day before the shooting, he went to Umzimkhulu from Durban to confirm Magaqa's identity. On the day of the murder, he spotted Magaqa arriving at the car wash he often frequented. The assailants were paid a total of more than half a million rand for the murder. Magaqa was killed for speaking out against a corruption-riddled tender to construct a local memorial hall. Cape Times
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Family of Sindiso Magaqa welcomes arrest of alleged mastermind in murder case
Sindiso Magaqa was gunned down in 2017. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives The family of the assassinated former ANC youth secretary Sindiso Magaqa has welcomed the arrest of a former Umzimkhulu municipal manager. The manager was arrested by the Political Killings Task Team on Monday and will appear in the Umzimkhulu Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. National police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, said the 55-year-old suspect was arrested on Monday in Malvern, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The manager was named by the convicted hitman, Sbusiso Ncengwa, alongside the late provincial legislature deputy Speaker, Mluleki Ndobe, as the ones who masterminded Magaqa's murder. Reacting to the news, Dr Lwazi Magaqa said the family was happy that the real mastermind behind his brother's murder has been finally arrested, adding that the family will give a comprehensive comment after his appearance on Tuesday. 'We are happy that he has finally been arrested; however, we will give our full comment after his appearance tomorrow," said Magaqa. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Ncengwa was recently sentenced to 25 years in prison following his confession to the murder and implicated several people, including the two accused, Sibonelo Myeza and Mbulelo Mpofana. The third accomplice, Mlungisi Ncalane, will not see his day in court as he had been declared mentally unfit to stand trial and has been confined to a mental institution. Ncengwa is now expected to testify against the two other accused, who were allegedly present during Magaqa's shooting on July 13, 2017. Magaqa died in September of the same year. Two councillors, Jabulile Msiya and Nonsikelelo Mafa, who were with Magaqa during the attack at a car wash, were also shot but survived. Another alleged accomplice, Jabulani Mdunge, who allegedly sprayed Magaqa and others with AK-47 bullets, died in a shootout with police. During the mitigation of his sentence, Ncengwa confessed that a day before the shooting, he went to Umzimkhulu from Durban to confirm Magaqa's identity. On the day of the murder, he spotted Magaqa arriving at the car wash he often frequented. The assailants were paid a total of more than half a million rand for the murder. Magaqa was killed for speaking out against a corruption-riddled tender to construct a local memorial hall.
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
uMkhonto weSizwe Party praises SAPS for reinstating Political Killings Task Team
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has unleashed a storm in South Africa's world of intelligence. His explosive disclosures have triggered a deluge of questions, literally opening Pandora's Box. Image: Thobile Mathonsi / Independent Newspapers The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has expressed renewed confidence in the South African Police Service (SAPS) following the reinstatement of the Political Killings Task Team, describing the move as a pivotal step towards restoring justice for victims of politically and criminally motivated violence that has engulfed the nation. MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlhela praised the task team for their "perseverance and professionalism," which he said had illuminated numerous crimes that might have otherwise faded into obscurity. Nhlamulo Ndhlela affirms the MK Party's confidence in the re-establishment of the SAPS "Political Killings Task Team," Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading "We celebrate the effectiveness of the Political Killings Task Team, which has already arrested and charged 436 individuals; this is clear evidence of their capabilities," Ndlhela noted. Ndlhela articulated a strong stance on the principle that 'justice delayed is justice denied,' underscoring the urgency for swift action in the pursuit of justice for all victims. Ndlhela rejected calls for a judicial commission of inquiry intended to scrutinise allegations made by General Mkhwanazi regarding the now-suspended police minister, Senzo Mchunu's alleged collusion with criminal elements. He argued that such a commission could only serve to delay justice even further. "We urge General Mkhwanazi and the Political Killings Task Team to act swiftly and make additional arrests, including any of those implicated politicians, parliamentarians, and members of the judiciary, specifically naming Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya,' Ndlhela asserted. In a show of support for the task team, Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe echoed sentiments of gratitude towards the team's diligent work, stating that Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola was pleased with the task team's progress. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola spoke to the media after signing a memorandum following the "Hands Off Mkhwanazi" march in Durban. Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers "General Masemola is optimistic about the hope that their ongoing investigations will ultimately bring closure to the affected families,' Mathe conveyed. Highlighting the commitment of law enforcement personnel, she said, "Well done to the teams that have been piecing together evidence since November 2022. This is the culmination of hard work and dedication to justice. It is crucial that we take our time to ensure a thorough investigation, so we can present a strong case before the court." The MK Party has reaffirmed its steadfast support for the task team, applauding their unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth, especially in cases fraught with political sensitivities. "We urge the continuation of their mandate, free from political interference, and we remain resolute in our call for full accountability. We reiterate that justice must never be compromised,' Ndlhela urged. DAILY NEWS
The South African
22-07-2025
- The South African
Four suspects in DJ Sumbody's murder due in court TODAY
The four suspects arrested for the murder of renowned musician DJ Sumbody are scheduled to appear in court today, Tuesday, July 22, 2025. DJ Sumbody, whose real name is Oupa Sefoka, was fatally shot in a hail of bullets in November 2022. DJ SUMBODY MURDER SUSPECTS DUE IN COURT TODAY On Monday, police confirmed the arrest of four suspects between the ages of 45 and 60 linked to the murder of DJ Sumbody. According to authorities, three of the suspects are alleged to be hitmen. The fourth is believed to be the mastermind who ordered the killing. All four suspects are expected to appear in the Alexandra Magistrate's Court today, 22 July 2025. Furthermore, they are facing three counts of murder. These charges specifically relate to the deaths of DJ Sumbody and his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza. MASSEMOLA HAILS BREAKTHROUGH IN DJ SUMBODY MURDER CASE On Monday, SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola praised the breakthrough made by the Political Killings Task Team and Gauteng Organised Crime detectives. According to SAPS, detectives seized the firearm used in DJ Sumbody's murder and linked it to multiple other cases. General Masemola described the discovery as a major step that could finally bring long-awaited closure to the affected families. 'Well done to the teams that have been piecing together evidence since November 2022. This is a culmination of hard work and dedication to justice. This is one of those complex cases that our teams needed to take their time in ensuring a thorough investigation so that we could ultimately bring a strong case before the court', said Gen Fannie Masemola. DO YOU BELIEVE JUSTICE IS FINALLY BEING SERVED IN THE DJ SUMBODY MURDER CASE? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
