Durban High Court Sets May 2026 Trial For Contract Killings Of ANC-Affiliated Police Officers

The Durban High Court has set May 2026 as the trial date for five men accused of carrying out politically linked contract killings that claimed the lives of two Durban Metro police officers and an ANC Youth League (ANCYL) secretary.

The accused — Fana Wellington Shabalala (39), Thulani Holly Shozi (36), Zamokuhle Mnyandu (44), Ntobeko Hadebe/Msezane (29), and Mthokozisi Ntando Blose — were arrested by the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).

The case was officially declared trial-ready this week. The men face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, three counts of murder, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, including an automatic rifle.

Assassination Plot Gone Wrong: ANCYL Secretary Killed by Mistake

According to the State, the accused were allegedly contracted and paid to assassinate Lindokuhle Madonsela, an ANC member and Durban Metro police officer, between May and June 2020.

However, on 25 May 2020, the group allegedly gunned down Thamsanqa Kingdom Gcabashe, the newly appointed ANCYL secretary, after mistaking him for their intended target.

“Gcabashe saw the accused inside his yard, armed with handguns, and tried to run away. However, two shots were fired while they were chasing him. He fell to the ground, and they continued firing shots at him. He died at the scene from a gunshot wound to the skull and its contents,” the indictment read.

Gcabashe reportedly lived in the same Hammarsdale township in Mpumalanga as Madonsela, which allegedly led to the fatal case of mistaken identity.

Police Officers Gunned Down Weeks Later

After realising their error, the accused allegedly continued with their mission. On 9 June 2020, two weeks after Gcabashe’s murder, Ndumiso Thusi, a Durban Metro police officer, arrived at Madonsela’s home to collect him for work at around 05:30.

As Thusi parked outside, a vehicle allegedly carrying some of the accused approached. The State claims the men opened fire using an AK-47 rifle and handguns, killing both officers instantly.

“Thusi died at the scene from a penetrating gunshot wound to the head. Madonsela also died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds with multiple organ involvement,” the State alleges.

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During proceedings, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Lawrence Gcaba, confirmed that all parties had agreed on the trial dates, which will run from 19 May to 19 June 2026. Judge Jacqueline Henriques has certified the matter as trial-ready.

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