Nearly nine years after the killing of former ANC Youth League secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa, the long-awaited murder trial related to his death has officially started in the Pietermaritzburg High Court.
The case, regarded as one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most significant political murder matters, is scheduled to run from May 18 until June 12.Magaqa was shot in July 2017 in Umzimkhulu together with former municipal speaker Jabulile Msiya and councillor Nonsikelelo Mafa.
At the time, Magaqa was serving as an ANC councillor and had reportedly raised concerns over alleged corruption linked to a multimillion-rand memorial hall tender. After spending weeks in intensive care, he died in hospital in September 2017.
The accused standing trial are Sbonelo Myeza, Mbulelo Mpofana and former Umzimkhulu municipal manager Zweliphansi Stanley Skhosana. They face charges including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms and defeating the administration of justice.
The case has faced numerous delays over the years, including arrests, withdrawn charges and renewed investigations. Convicted hitman Sibusiso Ncengwa, already serving a 25-year sentence, previously implicated several individuals during earlier court proceedings.
The trial is expected to draw intense national attention throughout the coming weeks.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
