Two hitmen sentenced to life for murder of KZN DA councilor

The KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) has secured life imprisonment sentences against alleged hitman Khayelihle Shabalala and hitman coordinator Thabo Mathonsi for the murder of uMngeni DA councilor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu.

Shabalala and Mathonsi were sentenced to life imprisonment in the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and the murder of Ndlovu.

Ndlovu was shot and killed in front of his wife and children at his home in Mpophomeni on 5 December 2023.

Investigators identified Shabalala as the alleged hitman, while Mathonsi was accused of coordinating the killing from prison.

The investigation has resulted in the arrest of a fifth suspect, Mnelizi Zuma, who was arrested last week in Mpophomeni for his alleged involvement in the murder.

Zuma is expected to appear in the Howick Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 4 September 2026, for a formal bail application.

Once his bail proceedings are finalized, Zuma is expected to join the other accused, alleged mastermind Chief Simphiwe Zuma and alleged spotter Thobani Hlongwa, in the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court for indictment proceedings.

Chief Simphiwe Zuma is accused of masterminding the murder of his nephew, Ndlovu.

Welcoming the sentence, Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane praised the PKTT investigators for securing lengthy sentences against perpetrators of political killings.

Dimpane said the sentences should send a strong warning that political violence would not be tolerated, particularly ahead of the local government elections.

“We specifically commend the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team 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,” said Dimpane.

“These members remained focused on their responsibility and mandate to investigate political killings and ensure that families and fellow politicians find closure.”