On 8 September 2025, the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team secured a major breakthrough by charging two suspects with the November 2022 murder of ANC leader and land activist Xolani Ndlovu-Ntombela in Mpophomeni, near Howick. The arrests—linked to one of the 121 politically-motivated dockets recently reassigned to the task team—signal a renewed commitment to tackling political violence in the province.
Details of the Case
Ndlovu-Ntombela was shot dead at his home in Mpophomeni in November 2022, reportedly in retaliation for exposing illegal land sales in the Emasosheni area. The suspects—aged 55 and 23—were already in custody for unrelated murder charges. They now face additional charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Their appearance at the Howick Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 8 September 2025, represents a significant step forward in the province’s fight against politically motivated killings.
Official Responses
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi commended the Political Killings Task Team and the National Prosecuting Authority for their efforts in bringing this case forward. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola described the arrests as a “step in the right direction,” emphasizing that the progress comes swiftly after the dockets were returned to the task team.
Broader Context: Political Violence in KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal continues to grapple with ongoing political violence. The 121 dockets in question—including the Ndlovu-Ntombela case—were recently returned to the Political Killings Task Team and form a key part of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating broader issues of criminality and corruption within the justice system.
A particularly high-profile aspect of this case is that one of the accused is Inkosi Simphiwe Zuma (55), a traditional leader from the Nxamalala Tribal Authority and relative of former President Jacob Zuma. He appeared in court alongside co-accused Thembelani Mbatha (around 30, according to some reports) on charges including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Zuma is reportedly applying for bail while Mbatha also faces other murder charges.
Public Reaction and Implications
The arrests were widely welcomed on social media, with many South Africans sharing sentiments such as “We are getting somewhere… 121 km per hour,” a metaphor used to applaud the renewed momentum in these investigations.
Despite this progress, concerns remain regarding the safety of whistleblowers and activists—Ndlovu-Ntombela’s murder underscores the dangers posed to those exposing corruption. The Madlanga Commission, preparing to call Commissioner Mkhwanazi as a key witness, will play a crucial role in examining systemic failures and alleged interference—including past claims involving former Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
Looking Ahead
The forthcoming testimony before the Madlanga Commission and continued investigations into the remaining 120 dockets are pivotal for delivering justice and rebuilding public trust in South Africa’s justice system. While the charges against the two suspects in the Ndlovu-Ntombela case bring hope for closure, the broader fight against political violence in KwaZulu-Natal is far from over.