Harry Gwala mayor Mluleki Ndobe, who was arrested in connection with the murder of ANC Youth League leader Sindiso Magaqa, has had charges against him withdrawn.
About a week ago, news broke of the arrest of the Harry Gwala mayor in connection with the 2017 murder of the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League general secretary Sindiso Magaqa. Ndobe was arrested alongside Sbonelo Myeza, Mbulelo Mpofana and Zweliphansi Skhosana.
The four men were charged with the premeditated murder of Magaqa and two counts of attempted murder for Jabulile Msiya and Nonstikelelo Mafa, who were in the car with Magaqa when the spray of bullets killed him.
The four accused appeared at the Umzimkhulu Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 25 March 2019, where they were due to make a formal bail application. However, in a turn of events, control prosecutor Sohana Moodley informed the court that the state was withdrawing one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder against Ndobe and Skhosana. The two remaining men are due to appear in the same court for their formal bail applications on Tuesday, 26 March 2019.
After he was released, Ndobe briefly addressed the media, stating his mixed emotions of relief and anger.
“I have mixed feelings. I am relieved, but at the same time I am very emotional and very angry about it. I can be accused of anything, but definitely not murder or conspiracy to commit murder,” he said.
He also stated that he would be consulting with his legal team as well as the ANC leadership before he grants an official media briefing.
Abenathi Gqomo
a.gqomo@politicalanalysis.co.za
