ACCUSED PLEADS GUILTY IN SINDISO MAGAQA CASE
On 25 April 2023, four men were charged with the murder of former ANC Youth League Secretary General Sindiso Magaqa, and they all pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. Magaqa was shot in July 2017 and succumbed to his injuries after spending time in the hospital. The men charged were Sibusiso Ncengwa, Sbonelo Myeza, Mlungisi Ncalane (who was subsequently declared unfit to stand trial and is currently admitted into a psychiatric facility), and Mbulelo Mpofana. The state has thus far led the evidence of eight witnesses.
On 22 May 2025, Sibusiso Ncengwa (Accused 4) advised the court of his intention to plead guilty or make admissions in terms of Section 220 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1997. He also made an application for a separation of trials from his co-accused. The state opposed this application, and the case was remanded to 06 June 2025 for him to make the Section 220 admissions.
On 06 June 2025, in the Pietermaritzburg High Court, Ncengwa admitted to shooting Magaqa on 13 July 2017 in the uMzimkhulu area. He also admitted to the attempted murder of Jabulile Msiya, Nonsikelelo Mafa and Nceba Mazongolo. Ncengwa further admitted to malicious damage to property (the vehicles of Magaqa and others) and the joint unlawful possession of a firearm.
In his admissions, Ncengwa outlined in detail the events leading up to Magaqa’s death and the interactions he had with his co-accused, namely Myeza, Ncalane, and Mpofana. His admissions were accepted by the state, and these admissions amounted to a Plea of Guilty.
The court found Ncengwa guilty based on his admissions and convicted him accordingly.
The case against Ncengwa was remanded to 30 June 2025 for sentencing. The case against Myeza and Mpofana will return to court on 19 June 2025 for a new indictment to be served on them as their matter has now been separated from that of Accused 4 (Ncengwa).
