Inkosi Simphiwe Zuma Accused Of Ordering Hit On DA Councillor Amid Extortion Dispute

The bail application of Inkosi Simphiwe Zuma, 55, of the Zuma clan in Impendle, has exposed very troubling allegations of violence, killings, and corruption linked to his leadership.

Zuma appeared in the Howick Magistrate’s Court seeking release for the alleged murder of his relative, Nhlalayenza Ndlovu, a DA councillor in the uMngeni Municipality.

Ndlovu was ambushed and killed in December 2023 while travelling from his Mpophomeni home to Underberg.

According to the state, Zuma ordered the hit after Ndlovu urged residents to stop paying illegal fees to an extortion ring controlling access to a local electricity transformer.

“Ndlovu told the residents that only Eskom or the municipality can collect money from them,” the court heard. Months later, he was shot dead, prompting both the DA and a political killings task team to launch investigations.

Inkosi Simphiwe Zuma: Murder, Money, And Power Struggles In Mpophomeni

Investigators allege Zuma paid R75,000 to a hitman to eliminate Ndlovu. The dispute over who controls the peri-urban land of Mpophomeni, where luxury mansions continue to mushroom, has intensified tensions between the Zuma clan and local authorities.

At the time of his arrest, Zuma was already out on bail for the alleged murder of another close relative, Qalokunye Zuma, a senior headman in his chiefdom, killed in January 2023.

In yet another twist, Zuma now also faces charges over the November 2022 killing of Xolani Ndlovu Ntombela, who was allegedly targeted for exposing illegal land sales in Emasosheni.

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The prosecution has strongly opposed Zuma’s release, describing him as a dangerous figure who “disregards human life and those he views as opponents.”

Arguments in the case will continue on September 15 in Howick, where the court will decide whether Zuma remains behind bars pending trial.

If convicted, the traditional leader could face serious consequences as KwaZulu-Natal continues to battle political assassinations and land disputes linked to power and money.

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