On 28 July 2025, the South African Police Service’s Political Killings Task Team made a breakthrough in Sindiso Magaqa’s murder case. A former municipal manager at Umzimkhulu Local Municipality was nabbed in Malvern, Durban.
According to SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, this is not the first time that the suspect has been linked to Magaqa’s murder.
“He was previously arrested in 2018 alongside the late Mayor of the Umzimkhulu Local Municipality,” said Mathe.
A CHANCE AT ANSWERS
In August 2018, police arrested a businessman, two former police officers and a hitman, all linked to Magaqa’s killing. Sbusiso Ncengwa was later identified as the hitman who shot Magaqa. On 7 July 2025, Ncengwa was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
According to police, the political killings task team has been working tirelessly to solve the mystery of Magaqa’s murder.
The re-arrest of the 55-year-old suspect comes more than seven years since Magaqa’s assassination, on 4 September 2017.
SINDISO MAGAQA HAILED AS A RISING STAR
Magaqa was serving as a councillor in Umzimkhulu Local Municipality at the time of his death. Mourners lauded him as a rising star who had a bright future in the African National Congress.
He had also previously served as the secretary general of the ANC Youth League. Mathe said the police will not rest until all perpetrators are brought to book.
“The former MM is expected to appear before the Umzimkhulu Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 29 July 2025,” said Mathe.
WHAT SUPPORT CAN BE GIVEN TO THE POLITICAL KILLINGS TASK TEAM?
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