A hitman has been sentenced for the murder of an ANC ward councillor, Zakhele Khuzwayo. The SAPS Political Task Team has registered another conviction after a 28-year-old hitman, Phathisakhe Thuthukani Ngiba was sentenced to life imprisonment.
A hitman has been sentenced for the murder of an ANC ward councillor
Ngiba has been in custody since 2022 after he was arrested for the murder of ANC councillor Zakhele Shezi Khuzwayo who was attached to the KwaMaphumulo Municipality.
Ngiba has been in custody since 2022
Khuzwayo was shot and killed on 15 September 2022 while sitting in his vehicle. Members of the SAPS Political Task Team investigated the case which led to the arrest of Ngiba.
The matter was heard before the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court and Ngiba was sentenced as follows on Friday, 18 July 2025 :
▶️Count 1 : Conspiracy to commit murder: Not guilty
▶️County 2: Murder; Guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment
▶️Count 3: Possession of unlicensed firearm: Guilty: 10 years imprisonment
▶️Count 4: Possession of unlicensed ammunition: Guilty: 2 years imprisonment.
Ngiba was declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section 103 (1) of act 60 of 2000.
Accused in another matter
He’s also an accused in a matter where ANC candidate Cllr Siyabonga Mkhize and ANC member Mzukisi Nyanga were shot in Cator Crest. The matter is currently on trial. Two weeks ago, the political task team secured the conviction of former ANC Youth League leader Sindiso Magaqa’s killer to 25 years imprisonment.
Crimes linked to murders and attacks of councillors
Since July 2018, more than 130 accused were sentenced for various crimes linked to murders and attacks of councillors which were proven to be politically related. This number includes hitmen and those who ordered the hit.
