Sindiso Magaqa's murderer was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment

On Monday,the Pietermaritzburg High Court sentenced Sibusiso Ncengwa(37) to 25 years imprisonment after he was convicted for the murder of former ANC Youth League Secretary-General Sindiso Jethro Magaqa in July 2017.

Magaqa was brutally shot and murdered while he was chilling in his car in the local carwash in uMzimkhulu and in that fateful day he was not alone in his car.

Ncengwa was sentenced after he confessed last month that he participated in the assassination of Sindiso Magaqa and he revealed the names of the people who hired him and other co-accused.

Ncengwa revealed that they were hired as hitmen by former Harry Gwala Municipality mayor Mluleki Ndobe and municipal manager Zweliphansi Skhosana and they were paid R120,000.

"On 06 June 2025,Ncengwa made Section 220 Admissions to the court, admitting to shooting Magaqa on 13 July 2017.He also admitted to the attempted murder of Jabulile Msiya,Nonsikelelo Mafa and Nceba Mazongolo;and the malicious injury to property in respect of the motor vehicles belonging to Magaqa and others.Ncengwa also admitted to the two counts of firearm-related charges and the unlawful possession of ammunition.

"He further outlined the events leading up to Magaqa's death and the interactions he had with his co-accused,namely Sbonelo Myeza,Mlungisi Ncalane,and Mbulelo Mpofana.Ncengwa also divulged the names of the alleged instigators or masterminds behind Magaqa's killings.His admissions amounted to a Plea of Guilty,and he was convicted accordingly.

In aggravation of the sentence,Advocate Elvis Gcweka handed in Victim Impact Statements compiled by Magaqa's brother;and from a member of the African National Congress(ANC) in KZN,"said Natasha Ramkisson-Kara,NPA Regional Spokesperson in KZN Division.

The assassination of the political figure such as Sindiso Magaqa had a negative impact to the people of uMzimkhulu and to his family,and even in his political party because he was known as someone who hate corruption.

"Magaqa's brother told the court that his brother,Sindiso,was a valuable member of society.He had set up a soccer team for the youth in the area to keep them off the streets.He was also the breadwinner of their family.

The ANC in KZN,in their statement,mentioned that Sindiso's death was a loss for the organisation,"added Ramkisson-Kara.

The Pietermaritzburg High Court found Ncengwa guilty in all charges that were laid against him and sentenced him accordingly and his sentences will run concurrently.

"In court today,Ncengwa was sentenced as follows:25 years imprisonment for conspiracy to commit murder,25 years imprisonment for murder,five years imprisonment for each of the three counts of attempted murder,three years imprisonment for each of the three counts of malicious injury to property,five years imprisonment for unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm,five years imprisonment for unlawful possession for firearm and 1 year imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition.The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently,resulting in the effective sentence of 25 years imprisonment,"continued Ramkisson-Kara.

The sentencing of Ncengwa was applauded even by the provincial leadership which is responsible for Public Prosecution.

"The DPP in KZN,Adv. Elaine Harrison,welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter,and we commend the continued and fruitful working relationship with our partners in law enforcement,in particular,the Political Killings Task Team in KZN.We hope that the sentences of this nature deter like-minded individuals,"Ramkisson-Kara concluded.