Sindiso Magaqa’s Killer Sentenced To Two Life Terms For 2017 Assassination

The man who admitted to the murder of former African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) Secretary General Sindiso Magaqa has been sentenced to two life terms, alongside several additional years behind bars.

Sibusiso Ncengwa stood quietly with his head bowed in the Pietermaritzburg High Court as Judge Nompumelelo Radebe handed down a stern sentence on Monday.

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Ncengwa pleaded guilty to multiple charges last month, resulting in his trial being separated from his two co-accused. He faced a total of 11 charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and possession of an automatic firearm.

Judge Radebe detailed the sentence:

“Count one, conspiracy to commit murder: 25 years’ imprisonment.
Count two, murder: 25 years’ imprisonment.
Count three, attempted murder: 5 years.
Count four, attempted murder: 5 years.
Count five, attempted murder: 5 years.
Count six, malicious injury to property: 3 years.
Count nine, unlawful possession of a fully automatic firearm: 5 years.”

The court confirmed that the sentences will run concurrently.

A Deadly Ambush Killed Sindiso Magaqa in uMzimkhulu

Sindiso Magaqa, a rising political figure known for speaking out against corruption, was ambushed in Ibisi Village, uMzimkhulu, in July 2017.

He was shot along with two local councillors, Jabulile Mzizi and Nontsikelelo Mafa, as well as their driver. While the others survived, Magaqa later succumbed to his injuries, triggering national outrage and calls for justice.

Ncengwa’s guilty plea last month marked a major development in the long-delayed case. His cooperation included naming the alleged masterminds behind the killing. However, the court was firm in its conclusion that his cooperation did not outweigh the severity of his crime.

“Clear Disregard for Human Life”

While Judge Radebe acknowledged Ncengwa’s remorse and assistance with the investigation, she made it clear that such actions were insufficient to justify leniency.

“By removing you from society, the interest of society would be served. Your conduct in agreeing to take the life of a person demonstrates a clear disregard for human life. The right to life is one that you currently enjoy, but one that you took away from the deceased — and for selfish reasons.”

The ongoing trial of Ncengwa’s co-accused, Sbonelo Myeza and Mbulelo Mpofana, is expected to resume in October, potentially bringing further answers to a killing that shocked the nation and highlighted the dangers faced by whistleblowers in South Africa.

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