Sindiso Magaqa murder trial rolled over to Tuesday

The trial of the four men charged with the murder of former ANC Youth League (ANCYL) leader Sindiso Magaqa has been delayed once again.

Sindiso Magaqa murder trial

The trial against former police officer Sbonelo Myeza, businessman Mbulelo Mpofana, Mlungisi Ncalane and Sibusiso Ncengwa was expected to continue on Monday in the Pietermaritzburg High Court, however, the matter had to be rolled over to Tuesday because Ncalane wasn’t in court.

ALSO READ: Former ANCYL leader Sindiso Magaqa dies

The court was informed that Ncalane was appearing in the Maphumulo Magistrate’s Court in connection with a different case.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said the accused, who was out on bail, was re-arrested last year for another offence.

Ramkisson-Kara confirmed that Ncalane will be present in court on Tuesday, adding that the state is ready to go on trial.

Magaqa, a former ANCYL secretary-general and councillor in the Umzimkhulu Local Municipality, was shot in the Umzimkhulu area in July 2017, but only died in September that year due to “complications from multiple gunshot wounds”.

He was shot along with colleagues Nontsikelelo Mafa and Jabu Msiya, who both survived.

Charges against accused

The four accused men who are standing trial are charged with conspiracy to commit murder, murder, attempted murder, malicious injury to property, and charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

In February last year, Myeza, Mpofana and Ncalane were each granted R5 000 bail in the Ixopo Magistrate’s Court.

Ncengwa, on the other hand, was found guilty of plotting a cash-in-transit heist and sentenced to 95 years imprisonment by the Pietermaritzburg High Court in March last year.

NOW READ: Sindiso Magaqa whistleblower Thabiso Zulu shot in ambush