The Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday, 5 July 2025, sentenced 37-year-old Sibusiso Ncengwa to an effective 25 years in prison for the murder of former ANC Youth League Secretary General Sindiso Magaqa and several related crimes.
Ncengwa pleaded guilty under Section 220 of the Criminal Procedure Act on 6 June 2025, admitting to shooting Magaqa in uMzimkhulu on 13 July 2017.
He also confessed to attempting to kill Jabulile Msiya, Nonsikelelo Mafa, and Nceba Mazongolo, damaging vehicles and unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition.
Convicted Killer Reveals Plot and Accomplices
In his admissions, Ncengwa outlined the events leading to Magaqa’s murder and named his co-accused Sbonelo Myeza, Mlungisi Ncalane and Mbulelo Mpofana.
He also revealed the names of the alleged masterminds who planned the assassination.
During sentencing, Advocate Elvis Gcweka presented victim impact statements from Magaqa’s brother and a KwaZulu-Natal ANC member.
Magaqa’s brother described him as a community leader who had established a soccer team for local youth and was his family’s breadwinner.
The ANC statement described Magaqa’s death as a loss to the organisation.
Court Hands Down Effective 25-Year Sentence
The court sentenced Ncengwa to 25 years for conspiracy to commit murder and another 25 years for murder.
He also received five years’ imprisonment for each of the three counts of attempted murder. Three years for each of the three counts of malicious injury to property.
For the firearm-related offences, the court sentenced him to five years for unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm.
Another five years for unlawful possession of a firearm, and one year for unlawful possession of ammunition.
The court ordered that these sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective prison term of 25 years.
Prosecutors Praise Task Team’s Role
KwaZulu-Natal Director of Public Prosecutions Adv Elaine Harrison welcomed the conviction and praised law enforcement partners, especially the Political Killings Task Team.
“We hope sentences like this deter like-minded individuals,” she said.
Do you believe long sentences like this will help stop political killings in South Africa?
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