NPA welcomes 25-year sentence for Sindiso Magaqa's murderer

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the family of slain ANC Youth League secretary-general, Sindiso Magaqa, have welcomed the 25-year prison sentence handed to Sibusiso Ncengwa, on Monday. 

Pietermaritzburg High Court Judge Nontuthuzelo Mlaba sentenced Ncengwa, who is already serving a lengthy sentence for unrelated crimes, to 25 years for conspiracy to commit murder, 25 years for murder, and short terms for attempted murder, malicious damage to property, and being in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.

All sentences will run concurrently.

Ncengwa is now expected to testify against two other accused, who were allegedly present during Magaqa’s shooting on July 13, 2017.

“Indeed, the NPA is glad and we are happy for the sentence passed in court, which will be effectively 25 years imprisonment,” said NPA spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara. 

Ncengwa’s two accomplices were former police officer Sibonelo Myeza and businessman Mbulelo Mpofana.

The third accomplice, Mlungisi Ncalane, will not see his day in court as he had been declared mentally unfit to stand trial and has been confined to a mental institution.

Another alleged accomplice, Jabulani Mdunge, who allegedly sprayed Magaqa and others with AK-47 bullets, died in a shootout with police.  

Myeza and Mpofana had been served with an indictment to appear at the Pietermaritzburg High Court on October 6. 

Lwazi Magaqa, a spokesperson for the Magaqa family, said they welcomed the sentence. 

“The day we have been waiting for, the sentencing of the hitman has finally arrived. 

“As the family, we see the light, and the sentence is fit for (such a) brutal offence.

“Sindiso’s children are still without a father, his mother is still without a son, as the family we still don't have a brother, and the ANC is still without its member,” said Magaqa. 

He said the sentence brought hope that the "big fish", who had a reason to eliminate Magaqa, would soon be brought to book. 

Two councillors, Jabulile Msiya and Nonsikelelo Mafa, who were with Magaqa during the attack at a car wash, were also shot but survived. 

“We have been crying for justice to be served, and this is only the beginning of what will follow. 

“Magaqa’s mother always cries, this sentence might help her to find closure,” said Msiya.

On the day of the murder, Magaqa was spotted arriving at the car wash he often frequented. 

The assailants were paid a total of more than half a million rand for the murder. 

Magaqa was killed for speaking out against a corruption-riddled tender to construct a local memorial hall. 

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus