Councillor’s hitman gets life sentence

Convicted hitman, Phathisakhe Ngiba, was handed a life sentence by Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court on Friday for the murder of ANC Cllr Zakhele Khuzwayo at KwaMaphumulo Municipality.

Ngiba has been in custody since his 2022 arrest, facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Khuzwayo was shot and killed on 15 September 2022 while sitting in his vehicle. The murder docket was investigated by SAPS Political Task Team.

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He was acquitted on the conspiracy to commit murder charge, but was convicted of murder.

Ngiba is also an accused in a matter, currently on trial, related to the shooting of ANC Cllr Siyabonga Mkhize and ANC member Mzukisi Nyanga in Cato Crest.

Two weeks ago, the Political Task Team secured the conviction of former ANC Youth League leader Sindiso Magaqa’s killer, Sibusiso Ncengwa to 25 years imprisonment.

Since July 2018, more than 130 accused have been sentenced for crimes linked to the murder and attack of councillors.

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