The Nxamalala Tribal leader Inkosi Simphiwe Zuma (55) has been charged, while in custody, with a third count of murder involving the killing of Xolani Ndlovu-Ntombela in Mpophomeni in November 2022.
Zuma, former South African President Jacob Zuma’s nephew, appeared at the Howick Magistrate’s Court on Monday with co-accused, Thembelani Mbatha, for bail proceedings related to one of two previous counts of murder while he was granted bail in another. He’s currently kept at the Westville correctional facility.
Zuma was charged with conspiracy to commit murder and murder of Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu from uMngeni Municipality who was shot and killed at Emasosheni, near Mpophomeni, in December 2023.
Zuma is co-charged with Thabani Masobho Hlongwa, Khayelihle Shabalala and Thabo Mathonsi in the Ndlovu’s murder charge. Ndlovu was gunned down in front of his wife, children and a nanny while at home.
Zuma is also accused of orchestrating the killing of Induna Qalokunye Zuma in January 2023 while at his home, Impendle, for which he was granted R25 000 bail by the Impendle Magistrate’s Court in July.
He is denying the charges, arguing through his attorneys that the State wants to paint a picture of him as not being fit to be a traditional leader but a criminal.
In his affidavit, Zuma said the Impendle magistrates court granted him bail after it was learnt that his Induna, Zwelithini Buthelezi, made a confession. Buthelezi is now a state witness but Zuma is arguing that Buthelezi is attempting to escape justice.
The political killings task team detectives charged Zuma and Mbatha for Ndlovu’s murder.
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