Murder trial delayed again

The trial of the three men accused of murdering former ANC Youth League secretary Sindiso Magaqa has been postponed to April after yet another delay in court in Scottburgh, KwaZulu-Natal yesterday – nearly three years after his death.

Judge Mohini Moodley was scathing in her criticism of defence lawyer Carl van der Merwe, who failed to appear in court.

Moodley called for Van der Merwe to explain why he had not attended proceedings.

“I am extremely irate because there is no representation for the accused,” she said.

Outside court, Magaqa’s brother, Lwazi, said he was disappointed with the delay. He said the family did not believe the mastermind behind the murder had been arrested.

Magaqa survived an ambush after being shot on July 13, 2017, but died in September of the same year as a result of his injuries. He was 35.

The trial of the men accused of the attack was expected to start yesterday and was set to continue until November 8.

Magaqa had been in politics from a young age, serving the ANC Youth League in many capacities, including chairperson of the party’s Harry Gwala branch and deputy provincial chairperson of the league.

He was among a group of ANC leaders who faced disciplinary action in 2012. They included current EFF leader Julius Malema, his deputy, Floyd Shivambu, and current ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe.

At the time of his death, he was a ward councillor in the area. Former police officer Sibonelo Myeza, businessperson Mbulelo Mpofana and Mxolisi Ncalane face murder and attempted murder charges.

Harry Gwala district municipality mayor Mluleki Ndobe and Umzimkhulu municipal manager Zweliphansi Skhosana previously had charges against them in the matter provisionally withdrawn, due to insufficient evidence.

Umzimkhulu councillors Nonsikelelo Mafa and Jabu Mzizi-Msiya were wounded on the day of Magaqa’s shooting. – News24 Wire