eThekwini Municipality councillor Mkhipheni Mzimuni Ngiba is accused of being involved in the murder of the previous ward 101 councillor and his bodyguard in November 2021. He and three other men appeared in court last week.

His arrest has sent shockwaves throughout the city, with some calling on the ruling party to take decisive action and suspend him.

Cato Manor ward councillor Ngiba, together with Nkosinathi Emmanuel Nkosi Mlomo Ngcobo, Sandile Mzizi and Sfiso Vincent Mlondo, were arrested in connection with the murder of Siyabonga Mkhize, a prospective councillor in Cato Manor 2021.

Mkhize and his bodyguard were ambushed and shot dead while two other people were injured. It is believed that the men were out campaigning at the time.

Mkhize won the elections after his death, which prompted the need for a by-election. In February Ngiba won the by-election, retaining the ward for the ANC.

The Democratic Alliance, the official opposition, has called for Ngiba to be suspended.

Thabani Mthethwa of the DA says they wrote to the office of the speaker in the eThekwini Municipality in this regard.

“It is a known fact that our province, particularly eThekwini, has for years been a hotspot for many unresolved political killings of leaders and activists.

eThekwini cannot afford to have the city’s image tainted by such allegations against a serving councillor. We call on the speaker to ensure this councillor is removed from office,” he says.

The ANC in eThekwini has stood firm against mounting calls to suspend Ngiba, saying it won’t be taking any action until the court has delivered judgement.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara confirmed that the four men appeared in the Durban Magistrates Court last week.

“They face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of murder, two attempted murder charges as well as the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition,” says Ramkisson-Kara.

The matter was postponed for a formal bail application.