The South African Police Service’s (SAPS’) political killings task team has added more arrests to its long list of achievements.
The would-be-disband team has arrested additional suspects in connection with the murder of Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu.
Ndlovu, who served as a councillor in the uMngeni Local Municipality, was shot and killed in December 2023 at his home in Mpophomeni, Howick.
MURDER SUSPECTS EXPECTED TO APPEAR IN COURT
Two suspects, aged 56 and 26, allegedly coordinated the councillor’s assassination while incarcerated at Pietermaritzburg Prison. They are expected to appear before the Howick Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 31 July.
According to police reports, the two will join a pair of previously arrested suspects already charged in connection with Ndlovu’s murder. The group faces charges including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
POLITICAL KILLINGS TASK TEAM SECURES NUMEROUS ARRESTS
Since July 2018, over 130 individuals have been convicted for politically motivated crimes, including the murders and attempted murders of councillors. These convictions have involved both hitmen and those who issued hit orders.
Earlier this month, the political task team secured the conviction of former African National Congress (ANC) Youth League leader Sindiso Magaqa’s killer to 25 years’ imprisonment.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently praised the task team for its “tremendous work” and urged the Commission of Inquiry to act with urgency following allegations by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkwanazi.
Mkwanazi accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in police investigations and colluding in efforts to disband the Political Killings Task Team.
DO THESE ARRESTS SIGNAL REAL PROGRESS OR JUST A MOMENTARY BREAKTHROUGH?
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