A former senior official from the Umzimkhulu Local Municipality has been arrested by the Political Killings Task Team for his alleged involvement in the murder of former ANC Youth League Secretary-General Sindiso Magaqa.
The arrest came after key evidence was presented during the trial of convicted hitman Sibusiso Ncengwa, who was recently sentenced to 85 years in prison. Ncengwa was found guilty of several crimes, including the 2017 killing of Magaqa, a case that drew national attention and increased demands for justice in politically linked murders.
During the trial, Ncengwa claimed he did not act alone and identified others he said were part of the plot. His testimony suggested a wider conspiracy involving local political and administrative figures.
“The names I gave were not random. These are people I met with and took orders from,” Ncengwa told the court. His statements led investigators to the former municipal official, whose name has not yet been released as he awaits formal charges.
Sindiso Magaqa was shot multiple times in Umzimkhulu, KwaZulu-Natal, in July 2017 and later died in the hospital. He had been vocal about corruption in the municipality and had reportedly received threats before his death. His killing was one of many unsolved political murders in the province.
The arrest is seen as a major step forward for the Political Killings Task Team, which has faced pressure to solve such cases. Police say more arrests could follow as the investigation continues.
“This is an important move toward justice for Sindiso Magaqa and others affected by political violence,” a police spokesperson said. “We are working to ensure all those responsible are held accountable.”
The ANC and Magaqa’s family have long demanded justice, calling for not only the shooters but also those who planned and financed the attack to be prosecuted.