KZN Man Sentenced To Life For Murder Of iLembe Ward Councillor Zakhele Khuzwayo

A KwaZulu-Natal man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of iLembe Municipality ward councillor Zakhele Khuzwayo.

Phathesakhe Thuthukani Ngiba, 25, appeared in the Ntuzuma Regional Court on Thursday, where he also received additional sentences of 10 years for unlawful possession of a firearm and two years for unlawful possession of ammunition.

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Zakhele Khuzwayo, 44, was gunned down on 15 September 2022 in KwaMaphumulo while seated in his vehicle. A second individual present at the time of the shooting survived and later gave eyewitness testimony during the trial. Ngiba was linked to the crime through fingerprint evidence gathered at the scene.

According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, Ngiba was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Widow’s Statement Highlights Family’s Trauma

As part of the sentencing process, the court heard a deeply emotional Victim Impact Statement compiled by Khuzwayo’s wife. Facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Thandeka Nadi Mofokeng, the statement painted a harrowing picture of life after the councillor’s death.

“In her statement, the woman said that following the incident, family members suspected her of being responsible for Khuzwayo’s death. This caused her immense stress and tension. She described Khuzwayo as a responsible and loving person,” said Ramkisson-Kara.

The widow further described how the family, especially the children, have been struggling to cope in the aftermath of the brutal killing.

Gunman Opened Fire Before Fleeing the Scene

On the night of the murder, Zakhele Khuzwayo had stopped along a gravel road to speak with someone he knew. As they talked, another vehicle approached. An unknown man emerged, walked up to Khuzwayo’s vehicle, and fired multiple shots before fleeing.

“The man who was with Zakhele Khuzwayo ran to a nearby area for assistance. Ngiba was eventually arrested after police traced his fingerprints from the crime scene,” Ramkisson-Kara added.

The NPA welcomed the outcome of the trial and praised the collaboration between prosecutors, the Political Killings Task Team, and other investigative partners that helped bring Ngiba to justice.

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