By OBAKENG MAJE
28 July 2025- The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) said it welcomes the long-overdue arrest of the former Municipal Manager of Umzimkhulu Local Municipality, who has been implicated
in the politically motivated assassination of its former Secretary General, Sindiso
Magaqa. The ANCYL said the arrest follows damning revelations made under oath by the convicted killer, Sibusiso
Ncengwa, who was recently sentenced.
The ANCYL Secretary General, Mntuwoxolo Ngudle said the hitman detailed in an affidavivit how he was hired and protected by politically connected individuals, including the former Municipal Manager to silence Magaqa after he exposed rampant corruption linked to the R37 million Umzimkhulu Community Hall project. Ngudle said it is further reported that the firearm used in the assassination was sourced from within law
enforcement and that some officers were actively involved in ensuring the hit was carried
out without disruption.
“This reinforces long-standing suspicions of a criminal network within state and political structures working to suppress accountability and intimidate
whistleblowers. We are disturbed by the fact that the former Municipal Manager fled his residence to evade arrest, demonstrating that he is a flight risk and must be denied bail.
“It must also be noted that he has a prior criminal matter, which casts further doubt on his respect for the rule of law. We call for the immediate arrest of all remaining suspects, including those within law enforcement who facilitated the assassination by supplying firearms, providing
logistical protection, or obstructing justice,” he said.
Ngudle further said a firm commitment from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to oppose bail and ensure
a speedy, transparent trial is necessary. He added that, Magaqa was not just a leader of the Youth League, he was a courageous voice for clean governance and a fearless fighter against corruption.
“His murder was an attack on
the youth of this country and on every public servant who chooses integrity over patronage.
We will not rest until every mastermind and enabler is brought to justice.
Justice for Magaqa is non-negotiable,” said Ngudle.
The Guardian 