By Celani Sikhakhane
- Sindiso Magaqa was shot in 2017 after exposing a dodgy R40-million construction deal in uMzimkhulu.
- Killer Sibusiso Ncengwa pleaded guilty and named those who paid him but still got two life sentences.
Eight years after he was gunned down in uMzimkhulu, the man who killed Sindiso Magaqa has finally been sentenced – and his seven orphaned children say they now feel justice has been done.
On Monday morning, the Pietermaritzburg High Court handed Sibusiso Ncengwa two life terms for murder after he pleaded guilty last month and confessed to being a hitman hired to kill Magaqa.
Ncengwa admitted to shooting the former African National Congress Youth League secretary general at a car wash in July 2017. Magaqa died weeks later in a Durban hospital.
He had been exposing alleged corruption involving a R40-million community hall project that was being built from a former church.
Ncengwa also confessed to trying to kill three other people and damaging multiple cars during the attack. He admitted to possessing illegal firearms and ammunition.
Although he agreed to testify against the people who ordered the hit, the court did not reduce his sentence.
Harry Gwala District mayor Zamo Nxumalo, who was Magaqa’s political leader at the time, said the sentence has brought some peace to the family.
“Today all seven of Magaqa’s children are vindicated,” said Nxumalo. “The sentence won’t bring him back or replace a father, but it proves justice can be done.”
The African National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal welcomed the sentence and said it marked a step forward for all South Africans who want to live free from violence and corruption.
Magaqa had also formed a football team to keep young people off the streets. He was the breadwinner for his large family.
Pictured above: Harry Gwala leaders Zamo Nxumalo and Amos Zondi outside the Pietermaritzburg High Court after the sentencing.
Image source: Supplied by Harry Gwala District
