DURBAN – A fresh arrest linked to the 2017 murder of former ANC Youth League secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa was made on Monday by the SAPS Political Killings Task Team, marking a significant development in the long-running investigation.
The suspect, a 55-year-old former municipal manager of the Umzimkhulu Local Municipality, was taken into custody in Malvern, Durban. Police confirmed that the man was previously arrested in 2018 alongside the now-deceased Umzimkhulu mayor, a businessman, two former police officers, and a known hitman.
He is expected to appear before the Umzimkhulu Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 29 July 2025, to face a murder charge.
The arrest follows the recent conviction of the hitman, Sbusiso Ncengwa, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison earlier this month. During his trial, Ncengwa admitted that he and a group of men were paid R120,000 to assassinate Magaqa. His legal team pleaded for a lighter sentence, citing remorse and a direct apology to the Magaqa family.
Ncengwa is also serving additional sentences for unrelated crimes, including armed robbery.
Magaqa was gunned down in July 2017 while serving as a councillor in the Umzimkhulu Local Municipality. He later died in hospital from his injuries.
At the time of his death, Magaqa was believed to be investigating alleged corruption involving tenders for the construction of a community hall in the municipality.
Last month, ANCYL president Collen Malatji raised concerns about the role of politicians in Magaqa’s killing, calling for greater accountability.
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