Latest news with #Magaqa
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Hitman sentenced to life for murder of ANC councillor
The man has been in custody since 2022 after he was arrested . The South African Police Service (Saps) Political Task Team has registered another conviction, after a 28-year-old hitman was sentenced to life in jail for the murder of an ANC councillor in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Phathisakhe Thuthukani Ngiba appeared in the Ntuzuma Magistrate's Court on Friday, July 18, 2025, where the sentence was handed down. Murder Ngiba has been in custody since 2022 after he was arrested for the murder of ANC councillor Zakhele Shezi Khuzwayo, who was attached to the KwaMaphumulo Municipality. Khuzwayo was shot and killed on 15 September 2022 while sitting in his vehicle. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the Saps Political Task Team investigated the case, which led to the arrest of Ngiba. Ngiba was declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section 103 (1) of Act 60 of 2000. Ngiba is also an accused in a matter where ANC candidate Councillor Siyabonga Mkhize and ANC member Mzukisi Nyanga were shot in Cator Crest. The matter is currently on trial. ALSO READ: Gauteng businessman jailed for R66 million Transnet fraud ANC Youth League leader Earlier this month, the political task team secured the conviction of former ANC Youth League leader Sindiso Magaqa's killer to 25 years imprisonment. Sibusiso Ncengwa admitted that he was part of a group of men who were paid R120 000 to kill Magaqa in 2017. His lawyers had pleaded for leniency. They argued that he had apologised to the Magaqa family and had shown remorse for his deeds. Ncengwa is also serving time in prison for other crimes unrelated to Magaqa's murder. These include armed robberies. Jail Judge Nontuthuzelo Mlaba said it was in the best interests of society for Ncengwa to be imprisoned. 'Your conduct in agreeing to take the life of a person demonstrates a clear disregard for human life. The right to life is currently one that you enjoy, but one that you took away from the deceased and for selfish reasons,' Mlaba said 'The deceased had a family. He had young children who will forever be denied the privilege of having a present father. 'You did not seem to have considered all the above when you decided to arm yourself, attack and kill the victim in this matter,' Mlaba said. Political killings Mathe said since July 2018, more than 130 accused were sentenced for various crimes linked to murders and attacks of councillors, which were proven to be politically related. 'This number includes hitmen and hit orderers,' Mathe said. NOW READ: 'David vs Goliath': Meta agrees to hand over child porn channel creator information
IOL News
08-07-2025
- IOL News
NPA welcomes 25-year sentence for Sindiso Magaqa's murderer
Sibusiso Ncengwa, convicted after confessing to the murder of ANCYL leader Sindiso Magaqa. Image: Bongani Hans/Independent Newspapers The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the family of slain ANC Youth League secretary-general, Sindiso Magaqa, have welcomed the 25-year prison sentence handed to Sibusiso Ncengwa, on Monday. Pietermaritzburg High Court Judge Nontuthuzelo Mlaba sentenced Ncengwa, who is already serving a lengthy sentence for unrelated crimes, to 25 years for conspiracy to commit murder, 25 years for murder, and short terms for attempted murder, malicious damage to property, and being in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. All sentences will run concurrently. Ncengwa is now expected to testify against two other accused, who were allegedly present during Magaqa's shooting on July 13, 2017. 'Indeed, the NPA is glad and we are happy for the sentence passed in court, which will be effectively 25 years imprisonment,' said NPA spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara. Ncengwa's two accomplices were former police officer Sibonelo Myeza and businessman 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. Another alleged accomplice, Jabulani Mdunge, who allegedly sprayed Magaqa and others with AK-47 bullets, died in a shootout with police. Myeza and Mpofana had been served with an indictment to appear at the Pietermaritzburg High Court on October 6. Lwazi Magaqa, a spokesperson for the Magaqa family, said they welcomed the sentence. 'The day we have been waiting for, the sentencing of the hitman has finally arrived. 'As the family, we see the light, and the sentence is fit for (such a) brutal offence. 'Sindiso's children are still without a father, his mother is still without a son, as the family we still don't have a brother, and the ANC is still without its member,' said Magaqa. He said the sentence brought hope that the "big fish", who had a reason to eliminate Magaqa, would soon be brought to book. Two councillors, Jabulile Msiya and Nonsikelelo Mafa, who were with Magaqa during the attack at a car wash, were also shot but survived. 'We have been crying for justice to be served, and this is only the beginning of what will follow. 'Magaqa's mother always cries, this sentence might help her to find closure,' said Msiya. On the day of the murder, Magaqa was spotted 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. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
IOL News
08-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Justice served as hitman in Magaqa's murder sentenced
Sibusiso Ncengwa, who was convicted after confessing to the murder of ANCYL leader Sindiso Magaqa was sentenced to a 25 year prison term on Monday at the Pietermaritzburg High Court. Image: Bongani Hans: Independent Media A spokesperson for the family of slain former ANC Youth League secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa says the sentencing of a man convicted of his murder brought hope that the 'big fish', who had a reason to eliminate Magaqa, would soon be brought to book. The family and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the 25-year prison sentence handed down to Sibusiso Ncengwa at the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Monday. In deviating from the life sentence, Judge Nontuthuzelo Mlaba sentenced Ncengwa, who is already serving a lengthy sentence for unrelated crimes, to 25 years for conspiracy to commit murder, 25 years for murder, and shorter terms for attempted murder, malicious damage to property, being in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. All sentences will run concurrently. Ncengwa is now expected to testify against the two other accused, who were allegedly present during Magaqa's shooting on July 13, 2017. 'The NPA is glad and we are happy for the sentence passed in court, which will be effectively 25 years imprisonment,' said NPA spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara. Ncengwa's two accomplices were former police officer Sibonelo Myeza and businessman Mbulelo Mpofana. The third accomplice, Mlungisi Ncalane, will not see his day in court as he was declared mentally unfit to stand trial and has been confined to a mental institution. Another alleged accomplice, Jabulani Mdunge, who allegedly sprayed Magaqa and others with AK-47 bullets, died in a shootout with police. 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 Myeza and Mpofana had been served with an indictment to appear at the Pietermaritzburg High Court on October 6. 'The offences were very serious,' said Ramkisson-Kara. Ramkisson-Kara said police will have to investigate former senior Mzimkhulu Municipality officials whom Ncengwa implicated in his affidavit as having conspired and hired hitmen to kill Magaqa. One of the alleged conspirators was the late former Mzimkhulu mayor, Mluleki Ndobe, who was later elected as the ANC provincial treasurer after the murder. Ndobe died on November 6, 2020. Had it not been for his admission of guilt and offer to testify for the state, having already served eight years in detention for this matter, and having apologised to Magaqa's family, Ncengwa would have received a life term, which was the minimum sentence appropriate for a crime of this nature. Judge Mlaba accepted the deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence, which Ncengwa's defence team and the State agreed on. Lwazi Magaqa, a spokesperson for the Magaqa family, told the media that the family was happy, although the punishment would not bring Magaqa back to life. 'The day we have been waiting for, the sentencing of the hitman has finally arrived. 'As the family, we see the light, and the sentence is fit for (such a) brutal offence. 'Sindiso's children are still without a father, his mother is still without a son, as the family we still don't have a brother, and the ANC is still without its member,' said Magaqa. Two councillors, Jabulile Msiya and Nonsikelelo Mafa, who were with Magaqa during the attack at a car wash, were also shot but survived. 'We have been crying for justice to be served, and this is only the beginning of what will follow. 'Magaqa's mother always cries, this sentence might help her to find closure,' said Msiya. During the mitigation of his sentence last week, Ncengwa confessed that a day before the shooting, he visited Mzimkhulu 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 Citizen
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Mkhwanazi vs Mchunu
Here's your daily news update for Monday, 7 July 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. In the news today, The Citizen explores five things you need to know about the explosive feud between Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu and KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Meanwhile, one of the men who killed former ANCYL secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa has been sentenced to 25 years for murder. Furthermore, tickets for global hip-hop heavyweight Travis Scott's record-breaking Circus Maximus tour to FNB Stadium are still available. Weather tomorrow: 8 July 2025 Tuesday brings cold, foggy mornings and some drizzle across several provinces. Fine weather is expected in parts of the Northern Cape and Western Cape. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. Mkhwanazi vs Mchunu: 5 things you need to know about their explosive feud There has been a massive spat between the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, and KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. During a media briefing on Sunday, Mkhwanazi made explosive revelations, accusing senior police leadership, including Mchunu, of interfering in investigations into politically motivated killings. KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Pictures: Gallo Images There are concerns that the spat might affect policing and administration. In a detailed briefing, Mkhwanazi exposed the removal of 121 case dockets from his political killings task team by Deputy National Commissioner General Shadrack Sibiya, allegedly under the instruction of Mchunu. CONTINUE READING: Mkhwanazi vs Mchunu: 5 things you need to know about their explosive feud Magaqa's killer sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for murder One of the men who killed former ANCYL secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa has been sentenced to 25 years for murder. Sibusiso Ncengwa admitted that he was part of a group of men who were paid R120 000 to kill Magaqa in 2017. Magaqa was shot in July 2017 and succumbed to his injuries after spending time in the hospital. Picture: Supplied His lawyers had pleaded for leniency. They argued that he had apologised to the Magaqa family and had shown remorse for his deeds. Ncengwa is also serving time in prison for other crimes unrelated to Magaqa's murder. These include armed robberies. CONTINUE READING: Magaqa's killer sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for murder Must get! Travis Scott tickets for FNB Stadium still up for grabs Global hip-hop heavyweight Travis Scott is bringing his record-breaking Circus Maximus tour to FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday, 11 October 2025. And the best part? Tickets are still available. Travis Scott performs during Young Thug's set at the 2025 Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash at SeatGeek Stadium on June 22, 2025 in Bridgeview, Illinois. Picture:The concert is being billed as more than just a music show; it's set to be a high-energy, immersive experience that fans won't forget. The Sicko Mode hitmaker's current tour has been declared the highest-grossing solo rap tour of all time, with sold-out arenas across Europe, North America and the Middle East. CONTINUE READING: Must get! Travis Scott tickets for FNB Stadium still up for grabs Saps investigates TikTok allegations against officer accused of drinking on duty The South African Police Service (Saps) has launched an urgent investigation into a viral TikTok video that shows a uniformed police officer being accused of being under the influence of alcohol while on duty. According to North West police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, the footage, which has been widely circulated, depicts a group confronting the officer and making serious accusations about his state while on official duty. Picture: Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu Mokgwabone noted that the provincial commissioner condemned the alleged behaviour, saying such conduct will not be tolerated within the ranks of the Saps. CONTINUE READING: Saps investigates TikTok allegations against officer accused of drinking on duty 22 arrested after illegal workers and weapons found in Roodepoort factory raid Home Affairs Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza on Monday revealed that law enforcement discovered weapons and ammunition during a raid on a Roodepoort factory allegedly employing illegal immigrants. The factory, owned by a Chinese national, was raided during an operation that led to 22 arrests. Picture: Home Affairs/ X The discovery of weapons has escalated the matter beyond immigration violations. CONTINUE READING: 22 arrested after illegal workers and weapons found in Roodepoort factory raid Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Mkhwanazi drags Mchunu | Dirco on terrorism in SA | Steenhuisen's 'insubordination'
The South African
07-07-2025
- The South African
Former ANCYL secretary-general's killer gets hefty prison sentence
The Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday, 5 July 2025, sentenced 37-year-old Sibusiso Ncengwa to an effective 25 years in prison for the murder of former ANC Youth League Secretary General Sindiso Magaqa and several related crimes. Ncengwa pleaded guilty under Section 220 of the Criminal Procedure Act on 6 June 2025, admitting to shooting Magaqa in uMzimkhulu on 13 July 2017. He also confessed to attempting to kill Jabulile Msiya, Nonsikelelo Mafa, and Nceba Mazongolo, damaging vehicles and unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition. In his admissions, Ncengwa outlined the events leading to Magaqa's murder and named his co-accused Sbonelo Myeza, Mlungisi Ncalane and Mbulelo Mpofana. He also revealed the names of the alleged masterminds who planned the assassination. During sentencing, Advocate Elvis Gcweka presented victim impact statements from Magaqa's brother and a KwaZulu-Natal ANC member. Magaqa's brother described him as a community leader who had established a soccer team for local youth and was his family's breadwinner. The ANC statement described Magaqa's death as a loss to the organisation. The court sentenced Ncengwa to 25 years for conspiracy to commit murder and another 25 years for murder. He also received five years' imprisonment for each of the three counts of attempted murder. Three years for each of the three counts of malicious injury to property. For the firearm-related offences, the court sentenced him to five years for unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm. Another five years for unlawful possession of a firearm, and one year for unlawful possession of ammunition. The court ordered that these sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective prison term of 25 years. KwaZulu-Natal Director of Public Prosecutions Adv Elaine Harrison welcomed the conviction and praised law enforcement partners, especially the Political Killings Task Team. 'We hope sentences like this deter like-minded individuals,' she said. 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.
