By Celani Sikhakhane
- Prosecutors told the Howick Magistrate’s Court that Khulubuse Zuma tried to poison a witness, while Thobani Zuma allegedly planned a R200,000 bribe.
- Both men were named alongside iNkosi Simphiwe Zuma, accused of ordering the killing of DA councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu in uMngeni.
Jacob Zuma’s relatives Khulubuse Zuma and Thobani Zuma have been directly linked to the murder case of uMngeni councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu.
They were named during a bail hearing at the Howick Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where iNkosi Simphiwe Zuma – also a relative of the former president – is applying for bail.
Simphiwe Zuma, traditional leader of the Nxamalala clan in Mpendle, is charged with Ndlovu’s murder.
Senior prosecutor Lawrence Gcaba told the court that Khulubuse Zuma and Thobani Zuma have both played roles in previous cases involving Simphiwe Zuma.
“In the case of his traditional prime minister Qalokwakhe Zuma, Khulubuse Zuma allegedly tried to kill a witness with poison together with iNkosi Zuma. Thobani Zuma, who is a member of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, allegedly took part in a plot to bribe a magistrate with R200,000 to release iNkosi Zuma from custody,” Gcaba said.
He added that investigators are now probing how Simphiwe Zuma was previously released on R25,000 bail, which was granted on what he called a “weak backing statement”.
Gcaba also alleged that Simphiwe Zuma has been in regular contact with hitmen linked to the murders of African National Congress councillors in Mandeni, including Phendukani Mabhida, who was outspoken against corruption.
According to evidence, Ndlovu, a Democratic Alliance councillor and chief whip, clashed with Simphiwe Zuma over community funds.
Zuma had told residents to contribute money to buy an electricity transformer. Ndlovu opposed the move, warning that only the municipality could legally provide it.
The transformer was eventually installed, but Ndlovu’s house was excluded. Later, Eskom and the municipality disconnected the transformer. Zuma and his associates allegedly blamed Ndlovu for the disconnection, and weeks later, he was murdered.
The case has been postponed to next Monday, when the bail application will continue.
Pictured above: Khulubuse, Thobani and Simphiwe Zuma.
Image source”: @PatrioticMedia1, @goolammv and the Vulindlela project
