PKTT Secures 15-Year Jail Term In Murder Of Former KZN Legislature Member Zibuse Mlaba

The Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) has achieved a major breakthrough with the conviction of one of the men accused of murdering former KwaZulu-Natal Legislature member and Ximba Tribal Authority regent, Zibuse Mlaba.

Mlaba was shot dead at his home in Catoridge in October 2021, an incident that sent shockwaves through KwaZulu-Natal’s political circles.

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The case, which formed part of ongoing investigations into politically motivated killings in the province, reached a key milestone on Friday when one of the accused entered a guilty plea.

In the Camperdown Magistrate’s Court, Nhlanhla Hlongwa was sentenced to 15 years in prison after entering into a plea agreement with the State.

Accomplice Acquitted as Mastermind Faces Trial In Zibuse Mlaba’s Murder

Another accused, Mthobisi Dubazana, who was alleged to have been the driver of the getaway car, was acquitted of all charges. During court proceedings, Hlongwa admitted his involvement in the crime and implicated the alleged mastermind — Mlaba’s own cousin.

Hlongwa revealed that he and his accomplices were unaware of their target’s identity at the time of the murder. The court also heard that the killing was carried out for a payment of only R1,000.

The alleged mastermind behind the killing is set to stand trial alone on 7 November 2025, marking the next chapter in the PKTT’s continued pursuit of justice for politically motivated crimes in KwaZulu-Natal.

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