ANCYL

Late ANCYL member Sindiso Magaqa. Photo: Wikimedia

ANCYL member’s alleged killers appeared in KZN court, case postponed

The four accused men were said to have ambushed and shot Magaqa.

ANCYL

Late ANCYL member Sindiso Magaqa. Photo: Wikimedia

On 14 October 2019, the trial of four men accused of the 2017 murder of former African National Congress (ANC) Youth League (ANCYL) secretary-general and Umzimkhulu councillor Sindiso Magaqa was set to begin.

The trial was held at the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court in KwaZulu-Natal. Sibusiso Ncengwa, former police officer Sibonelo Myeza, businessman Mbulelo Mpofana, and Mxolisi Ncalane are facing murder and attempted murder charges.

ANCYL member’s murder case postponed

The trial was postponed to 14 April 2020 and will end on 20 May 2020, after yet another delay in court. This time the defence lawyer, Carl van der Merwe, of three of the men failed to appear in court.

Judge Mohini Moodley was displeased with Van Der Merwe and called for him to explain his lack of attendance. Moodley said:

“I am extremely irate because there is no representation for the accused. It is discourteous to the court that no one is here.”

Judge Mohini Moodley

Magaqa’s family reacts to postponement

Magaqa’s brother, Lwazi, spoke outside the court about the delay. He shared his disappointment with the proceedings saying:

“We were hoping that the matter would have started today. This disturbs the family and the community.”

Lwazi, Sindiso Magaqa’s brother

Lwazi also noted how his family was still not convinced that the mastermind behind the murder had been arrested. He said:

“We are still in need to get the mastermind of this. Just because these people were sent, does not mean they are.”

Lwazi, Sindiso Magaqa’s brother

ANCYL member was ambushed

On 13 July 2017, Magaqa managed to survive an ambush where he was shot. However, he died in September 2017 at the age of 35 as a result of his injuries.

Umzimkhulu councillors Nonsikelelo Mafa and Jabu Mzizi-Msiya were also wounded on the day of Magaqa’s shooting. The trial against his accused was meant to start on 14 October 14 until 8 November 2019.

The deceased councillor started his political career at a young age. He served in the ANC Youth League in several roles.

The former councillor was among one of the ANC leaders who faced a disciplinary hearing in 2012. The Harry Gwala District Municipality Mayor Mluleki Ndobe and Umzimkhulu municipal manager Zweliphansi Skhosana were previously accused in Magaqa’s case.

However, the men had the charges against them provisionally withdrawn due to insufficient evidence.