Political Killings Task Team Arrests 2 Suspects for Democratic Alliance Councillor’s Death
- The Political Killings Task Team made a breakthrough in the investigation into a Democratic Alliance councillor's death
- Two suspects were arrested and charged with the gruesome murder of Nhlalayenza Ndlovu
- Ndlovu was gunned down in his home in Mpophemeni, and South Africans applauded the Task Team's work
Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, covered a range of criminal activities, including cash-in-transit heists, kidnappings, taxi violence, police investigations, police shootouts, and court cases at Daily Sun for over three years.
Source: Getty Images
KWAZULU-NATAL — The South African Police Service (SAPS) Political Killings Task Team nabbed two more suspects on 30 July 2025 for the gruesome murder of Democratic Alliance councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu, who was gunned down in December 2023.
According to the South African Police Service, a total of five suspects, including the two the police arrested on 30 July, were nabbed and charged with Ndlovu's death. Ndlovu was killed on 5 December in front of his family. The assailants kicked down the door of his house and entered the house. They chased him into his bedroom, where his wife, two children, and nanny were present. They shot him 10 times.
When will the suspects appear in court?
The three suspects who were arrested, Khayelihle Shabalala, Thobani Hlongwa, and Zwelithini Buthelezi, will appear before the Howick Magistrates' Court on 31 July 2025. Buthelezi, who is an induna, and another suspect reportedly orchestrated his death while in Pietermaritzburg prison. They have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
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A look at the Political Killings Task Team
On 28 July, the Political Killings Task Team arrested a former municipal manager for his involvement in the murder of former African National Congress Youth League secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa. He appeared before the Umzimkhulu Magistrates Court on 29 July.
The Task Team, which Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya allegedly conspired to disband, wanted to arrest Sibiya and Mchunu in November 2024. However, the Team failed to secure arrest warrants from two prosecutors in Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
Kwazulu-Natal Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused them on 6 July of interfering in the work of the task team, which was investigating deaths linked to members of a crime syndicate which Mchunu and Sibiya are allegedly a part.
What did South Africans say?
Netizens applauded the Task Team and praised Mkhwanazi.
Source: Getty Images
Lebogang Lebzist Moeti said:
"KZN must borrow us Mkhwanazi in the North West just for six months."
Polokego Taukobong said:
"Mchunu and his assistant were the problem. President Mkhwanazi was right."
Mavondo Jali said:
"They nearly captured this unit that is doing such a great job."
Sebza Greens said:
"So someone was blocking the task team."
Kika Masentle Silva said:
"Suddenly, after Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi spoke about corruption in the SAPS, suspects of political killings and suspects of high-profile murders are being arrested."
Commission of Inquiry to begin in August
In a related article, Briefly News reported that the Commission of Inquiry, which will investigate, among others, Mchunu's alleged attempt to disband the Political Task Team, will begin in August. The hearings will take place in Gauteng.
Acting Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the head of the commission, announced his team of assistants. He also said that the timeline for the Commission to achieve its objectives was tight.
Source: Briefly News
