Msinga mayor, Mletheni Ndlovu was arrested on Friday night after illegal firearms were found in his possession. The mayor’s name was brought under the spotlight after he was accused of murdering councillor Siyanda Magubane. The mayor will be appearing in court tomorrow.
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When IFP Ward 11 councillor Siyanda Magubane was gunned down in Umsinga, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) mayor Mlethi Ndlovu sent his heartfelt condolences to the grieving family.
But during Magubane’s funeral at the weekend an IFP councillor Ntuli, who survived the ambush, accused the mayor of being behind the attack.
This chilling allegation immediately drew anger from IFP supporters against Ndlovu, who was also at the funeral.
In several videos that have since gone viral, Ntuli can be seen telling the mourners who packed the marquee that he would expose the person who killed Magubane.
The mourners – some clad in IFP regalia – stirred after Ntuli’s promise to unmask the person who ordered the killing of Magubane.
After speaking for more than a minute about the fateful day Magubane was killed, Ntuli, who narrowly escaped, then turned to Ndlovu who was seated among the VIPs at the front section of the tent, and dropped the bombshell.
Calling Ndlovu by his clan name, Gatsheni, Ntuli said: “Mhlonishwa, you did not have to kill us in this way.”
This sent the mourners into hysteria.
In another video, Ndlovu is seen nodding his head while Ntuli spoke.
When approached by Scrolla.Africa for comment, Ndlovu referred all queries to the leadership of the IFP.
Ntuli could not be reached for comment.
IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said: “The IFP views this latest development in a serious
light.”
He said party secretary-general Siphosethu Ngcobo has dispatched a team of National Council Members to investigate the allegations against Ndlovu.
He said the team would report back to the secretary-general and the National Executive Committee by no later than Monday, 26 September 2022.
“The IFP further reiterates that the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies investigate the murder of Cllr Magubane with urgency and ensure a successful prosecution of those involved in this heinous crime,” said Hlengwa.
KwaZulu-Natal has been a hotspot for political murders, which prompted the provincial government to task the Moerane Commission to probe the killings leading up to the 2016 local government elections.
Police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo said Magubane’s killing is being investigated by the national police task team.
“We cannot divulge the details of the investigation,” said Ngcobo.