The family of KwaDukuza municipality official Nokulunga Mashabane watched with mixed emotions as the man accused of being hired to kill her appeared in court on Tuesday.

Cebolenkosi Shezi made his first appearance in the KwaDukuza Regional Court, facing charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice.

The 31-year-old Kranskop resident was arrested at Mzimhlophe Hostel in Johannesburg last Sunday, in connection with the murder of Mashabane, who was found dead in her car near Zinkwazi on the morning of June 27 last year.

According to the State’s case outlined in court papers, Mashabane was married to accused Thobani Nzama and had allegedly been subjected to domestic violence. Mashabane later left their marital home in Groutville and relocated to Ntshawini, while Nzama remained in Groutville.

The State alleges that Nzama devised a plan to kill Mashabane in June 2025 and enlisted Sipho Mgwaba, who allegedly approached Shezi to carry out the killing. Nzama allegedly agreed to pay Shezi.

On June 24, 2025, Nzama allegedly hired a Toyota Vitz. According to the State, the vehicle’s front number plate and branding were removed to conceal its identity.

Two days later, Nzama and Mgwaba allegedly met Shezi before travelling to the R102 link road between Darnall and Zinkwazi. The State alleges they waited there as part of a plan to lure Mashabane to the area.

Nzama allegedly called Mashabane claiming that his vehicle had broken down and asked for her help. She was later found dead in her Hyundai Creta with a gunshot wound to the head.

Nzama and Mgwaba were arrested following Mashabane’s murder. Their case was later transferred to the Durban High Court, where they are expected to stand trial from January 18 to 26.

Shezi was remanded in custody and is expected to return to the KwaDukuza Regional Court on Wednesday, October 14, for a formal bail application.

Mashabane’s older sister, Thulisiwe Ntuli, said they were relieved to see progress with the investigation
“It was not an easy moment to finally see the man who is accused of killing your sister.

At the same time, we are pleased to see that the [alleged] hitman, who has been on the run, was finally arrested. We hope that he will remain in custody and justice will finally be served,” said Ntuli.

She also praised investigating officer Constable Singh for his work, saying he had kept the family updated throughout the investigation.

Mashabane, a mother of two, was, at the time of her death, KwaDukuza Municipality’s manager of intergovernmental relations and protocol in the mayor’s office.