Justice served after tragic killing shakes Kwa Maphumulo community

In a case that has gripped the KwaZulu-Natal community, a 25-year-old man has been handed a life sentence for the brutal murder of ward councillor Zakhele Khuzwayo. The councillor, aged 44, was fatally shot in September 2022 in Kwa Maphumulo, leaving a community and a family, in shock.

A Chilling Evening in Kwa Maphumulo

On the night of 15 September 2022, Khuzwayo was driving along a gravel road when he stopped to talk to someone he knew. Suddenly, a vehicle pulled up, and a man stepped out, approaching Khuzwayo’s car. Moments later, multiple gunshots rang out. Khuzwayo was shot, and the assailant fled. The person who was with Khuzwayo at the time ran off to get help.

This violent act sent shockwaves through the community, which had seen its trusted councillor suddenly taken away. Social media buzzed with anger and sadness, with many locals mourning the loss of a leader known for his dedication to the iLembe Municipality.

The Courtroom Drama: Evidence and Eyewitnesses

At the Ntuzuma Regional Court, the trial put the spotlight on the accused, Phathesakhe Thuthukani Ngiba. The prosecution, led by Advocate Elvis Gcweka, presented compelling evidence: fingerprints linking Ngiba to the scene and testimony from the eyewitness who was present during the shooting.

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), revealed that a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) delivered a raw glimpse into the aftermath for Khuzwayo’s family. His wife described how, tragically, she and her children faced suspicion and stress following the murder, struggling to come to terms with their loss.

The Sentence and Its Significance

Ngiba was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder charge. Additional sentences of ten years and two years were imposed for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition respectively, and he was declared unfit to own any firearms in future.

The NPA praised the collaborative efforts that led to this conviction, highlighting the crucial role played by the Political Killings Task Team in KZN alongside other law enforcement agencies.

Why This Case Matters Beyond the Courtroom

This murder was not just a crime against an individual but a blow to local democracy. Ward councillors like Khuzwayo are vital voices connecting communities to government. His killing raised urgent questions about the safety of public representatives in volatile areas like Kwa Maphumulo.

For many South Africans, especially in KwaZulu-Natal where political violence has occasionally flared, this sentence brings a measure of reassurance that justice can prevail. It sends a clear message: attacks on those serving the people will meet with strong consequences.

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com