Kwazulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team Secures Life-Term Sentences for Two Accused of Umngeni DA Chief Whip Murder
The KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) has secured life-term imprisonment sentences against hitman Khayelihle Shabalala and hitman coordinator Thabo Mathonsi for the murder of uMngeni DA councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu.
Shabalala and Mathonsi were convicted after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and murder of Ndlovu and sentenced to life imprisonment in the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court on Thursday.
Ndlovu was shot and killed in front of his wife and children at his home in Mpophomeni on 5 December 2023, in a killing that prompted an investigation by the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team.
Shabalala has been identified as the alleged hitman, while Mathonsi was accused of helping coordinate the killing from prison.
Last week, investigators arrested the fifth suspect, Mnelizi Zuma, in the Mpophomeni area for his alleged involvement in the murder of Ndlovu, and he is expected to appear before the Howick Magistrate’s Court on Friday (today), for a formal bail application.
Once his bail application is finalised, he will join the other two suspects, mastermind Chief Simphiwe Zuma and spotter Thobani Hlongwa, in the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court for Indictments.
Chief Simphiwe Zuma is accused of being the alleged mastermind behind the murder of his nephew, Nhlalayenza Ndlovu.
Welcoming the sentence, the Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has commended the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) for securing lengthy sentences against the perpetrators of political killings, and will send a strong warning that violence will not be tolerated ahead of local government elections.
“We specifically commend the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) investigators for their commitment, professionalism and dedication to ensure that perpetrators behind political killings and violence are serving their time behind bars and ensure that justice is served. These members remained focused on their responsibility and mandate to investigate political killings and ensure that families and fellow politicians find closure”, said Dimpane.
