DA Celebrates the Arrest its KZN Councillor’s Murder Suspect.
In an emotional gathering at uMngeni Municipality’s Howick Magistrates Court, councillors, including Mayor Chris Pappas, paid heartfelt tribute to their colleague, DA chief whip Nhlalayenza Ndlovu, who was killed in December.
The councillors were joined by representatives from the DA across various municipalities in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands as they attended the court proceedings concerning the suspect arrested for the premeditated murder of Ndlovu.
Kwanele Msomi, a proportional representation (PR) councillor from Lidgetton, expressed the impact of Ndlovu’s death on both the DA caucus and the community.
“He was a man of peace who would use humour to resolve conflicts within the DA council, bringing laughter that united our team,” she said.
The memory of Ndlovu's untimely death still lingers, as Msomi reminisced about a day filled with normalcy shattered by a frantic call from Ndlovu’s wife, Pretty, reporting the news of his murder.
“I was the first person to receive a call from his wife soon after the shooting. She said they killed him and I thought she was joking.
“I dropped the phone as I was trying to figure out whether she was joking or not and later I called her back asking if if it was a joke. I then informed the caucus about what had happened,” said Msomi.
The suspect, who appeared in court dressed in a white T-shirt and navy blue tracksuit pants, made his first appearance before Magistrate Mariam Aboobaker.
He was charged with conspiracy to commit murder.
His attorney, Zolani Duma, informed the court that they were not yet prepared to apply for bail.
The case, marked as schedule six due to its severe nature, remains under close scrutiny by both legal representatives and community members alike.
The prosecutor, Advocate Elvis Gcweka, confirmed that the state believes the suspect did not act alone, indicating the ongoing investigation into others who may have conspired with him.
A team, led by AfriForum’s private prosecutor Advocate Gerrie Nel, is exploring leads, reportedly identifying a traditional leader as a potential mastermind behind the murder, believed to be linked to Ndlovu's vocal stance against electricity theft.
As the proceedings unfolded, the atmosphere in the courtroom was one of collective grief and concern.
Several DA representatives, including Pappas and provincial leader Francois Rodgers, stood together outside bearing placards that read "Justice for Nhlalayenza."
Rodgers, KZN Finance MEC, remarked on the necessity of thorough investigations, noting that Ndlovu’s assassination has highlighted vulnerabilities within the political framework.
“We expect more arrests to follow, for a murder of this nature often involves multiple faceless perpetrators,” he said.
The DA and uMngeni brought in Nel’s team after it had seemed that the case was going cold. But Rodgers believed that the Government of National Unity and the provincial police were proactive in the fight against such crimes.
“The premier (Thami Ntuli) is very proactive and he has taken the safety and security into his portfolio, which is a step in the right direction.
“The fact that we have new police Minister Senzo Mchunu seems to be on top of his game is a positive sign and even the funds that we have to fight crime,” said Rodgers.
Rodgers called on police to protect the suspect from harm.
“KZN has a dreadful reputation of witnesses and those accused of crimes being eliminated.
“The DA will actively follow this case together with our independent task team to ensure that justice is served.
It cannot be business as usual when one of our own and a leader in his community is brutally murdered in front of his family including his children, said Rodgers.
Pappas, remembered Ndlovu not just as a political figure but as a beloved friend who enriched the lives of many within the municipality with his kindness and wisdom.
“Nhlalayenza was not just a political colleague; he was a mentor and a father figure to younger councillors.
His absence is profoundly felt,” Pappas said, reaffirming the DA’s commitment to honouring Ndlovu’s legacy by seeking justice.
He said the DA had invested money to hire the investigators.
“People who pulled the trigger were sent by someone or some people.
“As uMngeni Municipality we have also invested resources to make sure that when there are court proceedings, we call in watch and briefs, who have been appointed by the family, DA and municipality to make sure that they keep an eye on what is happening in the court,” said Pappas.
The court has adjourned the case
The case has been adjourned to November 8.