The two convicted killers of ANC Chief Whip Johan Ndlovu at Ehlanzeni District Council in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, have been sentenced to life imprisonment and an additional 19 years.

Bongani Mkansi and Moody Khoza killed Johan Ndlovu in January 2011. Ndlovu was among the top contenders for the position of Mayor in the Ehlanzeni District Municipality when he was killed in what was suspected as a political assassination.

The incident happened near Ndlovu’s home in Hluvukani near Thulamahashe in Bushbuckridge. Handing down sentence – Judge Peter Mabuse said the two did not show any remorse and their previous convictions were considered. The murder of Ndlovu followed that of two ANC members in 2009 and 2010. Initially five people were arrested. Two were later released. Khoza confessed in October, and was sentenced to 35 years imprisonment. The convicted duo denied any involvement.

Senior State Prosecutor, Charles Mnisi says the death of Ndlovu was a well-planned and a premeditated execution. Mnisi says it was by no mistake that he was killed. He added at the time when they were having a trial within a trial and statements were accepted to form part of the evidence and they were read into the records, it was mentioned that they were hired by certain individuals. The Ndlovu family welcomed the sentence but say there are a lot of unanswered questions. The ANC in Mpumalanga has also welcomed the sentence.

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