Zweliphansi Skhosana faces multiple charges after being implicated by a convicted hitman, reigniting a long-stalled investigation into the high-profile political assassination.
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| Zweliphansi Skhosana appears in court over Magaqa’s 2017 murder. Image supplied |
The court proceedings were short, with the matter postponed to 1 August 2025 to allow Skhosana time to secure legal representation ahead of his anticipated bail application. He remains in custody until then.
Magaqa, who was known for his vocal stance against corruption within the Umzimkhulu Local Municipality, was ambushed and shot in July 2017. He succumbed to his injuries two months later, in September, following complications related to the attack. At the time of his death, Magaqa had been investigating and speaking out against alleged irregularities in municipal tender processes.
The case had initially seen Skhosana and other local government figures implicated, including former Harry Gwala District mayor Mluleki Ndobe. However, in 2019, the National Prosecuting Authority provisionally withdrew charges against the accused, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to proceed.
The matter resurfaced in June 2025 after a breakthrough in the investigation. Sibusiso Ncengwa, one of the suspects previously arrested in connection with Magaqa’s killing, pleaded guilty and entered into a plea agreement. In his confession, Ncengwa directly implicated Skhosana, alleging he was paid R600,000 to carry out the assassination and was promised a R1 million municipal tender as part of the deal. His statement revived interest in the case and prompted the state to reinstate charges against Skhosana.
The killing of Sindiso Magaqa has long been viewed as a politically motivated hit, tied to deep-rooted corruption and factional battles within local ANC structures. His death sparked national outrage and drew attention to the growing trend of political assassinations in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly involving whistleblowers and councillors exposing financial misconduct.
Skhosana's reappearance in court and the new momentum in the case signal a potential turning point in the long-stalled investigation. Law enforcement authorities, including the Hawks, are continuing their probe into the broader circumstances of the murder and any additional individuals who may have been involved in planning or financing the hit. The bail hearing on 1 August is expected to draw significant public and media interest as the legal process unfolds.
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