KwaZulu-Natal police have arrested a fifth suspect in connection with the murder of Umngeni Municipality Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu, as investigators continue to pursue those allegedly involved in the political killing.
The 44-year-old suspect was arrested by the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) in the Mpophomeni area on Saturday morning. He is expected to appear in the Howick Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Ndlovu, who served as the DA chief whip in the Umngeni Municipality, was shot and killed at his home in Emasosheni, near Mpophomeni, in December 2023. He was allegedly murdered in front of his wife and children.
The latest arrest brings the number of suspects arrested and charged in connection with the councillor’s murder to five.
Police have previously identified Chief Simphiwe Zuma of Nxamalala in Impendle as the alleged mastermind who ordered the hit. Zuma remains in custody after being denied bail twice.
Two other accused linked to the case, identified as Khayelihle Shabalala and Deon Mathonsi, have pleaded guilty to their involvement. Their plea proceedings are expected to be finalised at the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court on August 21.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the latest arrest was part of the task team’s continued efforts to bring everyone allegedly involved in the murder before the courts.
“The latest arrest brings the total number of suspects arrested and charged in connection with the murder to five,” Mathe said.
She said the investigation was continuing and that detectives were following outstanding leads.
“Investigations into the matter remain ongoing, and police will continue to pursue all outstanding leads to ensure that every person found to have played a role in this murder is brought before the courts,” Mathe said.
The police spokesperson also issued a warning to those involved in political killings, saying the task team remained committed to pursuing everyone involved, from those who allegedly order such attacks to those who finance, facilitate or carry them out.
“PKTT’s message is clear: political killings will not be tolerated and those who order, finance, facilitate or execute these murders will be pursued relentlessly and brought to justice,” Mathe said.
Police said the investigation remains active as the task team works to establish the full circumstances surrounding Ndlovu’s killing and secure justice for his family.
