Political Assassination: Inkosi and Inmate Arrested for DA Councillor Ndlovu’s Murder
Mpophomeni, KwaZulu-Natal — A breakthrough in one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most disturbing political assassination cases has led to the arrest of a 56-year-old Inkosi and a 26-year-old inmate accused of orchestrating the killing of DA councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu.
Ndlovu, who served in the Umgeni Local Municipality, was gunned down in December 2023 at his home in the Mpophomeni area near Howick. His death sent shockwaves through the community and intensified concerns around political assassinations in the province.
The two suspects arrested this week bring the total number of accused in the case to four. According to the SAPS political killings task team, the newly arrested Inkosi is alleged to have conspired with the inmate—who was serving time at the Pietermaritzburg Prison—to coordinate the murder from behind bars.
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Inkosi Accused of Orchestrating Political Assassination
The 56-year-old traditional leader, whose name has not yet been publicly released, is believed to have played a central role in commissioning the assassination. The SAPS task team reports that he acted in close collaboration with the 26-year-old suspect, who had been incarcerated for unrelated crimes at the time of planning.
The inkosi allegedly provided financial support and logistical coordination while the prisoner acted as a messenger and organiser, using his prison connections to link with individuals outside. This detail has drawn serious concern over the level of access and freedom certain inmates may be enjoying within correctional facilities.
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Planning a Political Assassination from Prison
Authorities believe the murder of Councillor Ndlovu was not a spontaneous act but the result of a coordinated plot involving multiple actors. According to investigators, the prisoner communicated with others outside the prison using illicit mobile devices, an issue that has plagued the prison system for years.
“These arrests are not the end. They are a major step forward, but we believe others may have been involved or at least had knowledge of the plan,” said a SAPS task team official. “Political assassinations do not happen in isolation. They happen in networks.”
The ability to coordinate such a killing from within a secure prison has renewed scrutiny on South Africa’s correctional facilities, with civil society groups calling for immediate reviews of prison oversight and corruption.
Ndlovu’s Murder: More Than a Political Hit
Nhlalayenza Ndlovu was regarded as a committed public servant and had gained popularity in the Umgeni Local Municipality for challenging local corruption and speaking out against mismanagement. At the time of his murder, he had been vocal in council debates involving service delivery failures and budget irregularities.
While no clear motive has been confirmed by police, sources close to the investigation say political rivalry and internal power struggles cannot be ruled out. Ndlovu’s sudden assassination was one of several in KwaZulu-Natal over the past two years, contributing to what many now call a political assassination crisis in the province.
Political Assassination Cases Continue to Rise in KZN
KwaZulu-Natal has become the epicentre of political violence in South Africa. According to SAPS figures and independent tracking projects, more than 90 political assassinations have taken place in the province since 2016, most of them linked to municipal disputes, tenders, and factional rivalries.
This latest case is unique not only for its alleged prison involvement but also for the arrest of a traditional leader. Inkosi, who are typically seen as custodians of peace and culture, rarely find themselves accused of politically motivated crimes.
“This incident cuts deep. We rely on traditional leaders to guide, not to plot. The arrest of an Inkosi in a political assassination investigation shakes the very idea of leadership in our communities,” said Siphelele Mngomezulu, a community organiser in Howick.
DA Welcomes Arrests, Calls for Swift Justice
The Democratic Alliance has issued a formal statement welcoming the latest arrests. In it, the party expressed relief that progress is being made but warned that real justice must include convictions and further investigation into political violence across the country.
“We commend the SAPS political killings task team for their work,” the DA said in a statement. “However, this must be more than symbolic. It is time to dismantle the political killing networks that continue to undermine our democracy and threaten public service.”
Party officials have also demanded protection for local councillors and whistleblowers, many of whom have been threatened or attacked for speaking out.
Court Appearance Scheduled for 31 July
The two new suspects will appear before the Howick Magistrates Court on Thursday, 31 July 2025, where they will join the other two accused who were arrested earlier in connection with the murder. All four are expected to face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Prosecutors say they will oppose bail due to the seriousness of the offence and the risk of further tampering with witnesses or evidence.
Community Demands Answers in Political Assassination Case
Community members in Mpophomeni say the case must be handled transparently, with ongoing updates from both police and government officials. Some are calling for a public inquiry into political violence in Umgeni Municipality, saying that Ndlovu’s murder is part of a larger, more dangerous trend.
“How many more councillors must die before something is done?” asked a resident during a recent community gathering. “We’ve lost faith in politics, but we cannot afford to lose faith in justice.”
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A Moment of Reckoning
As the case unfolds, KwaZulu-Natal—and South Africa at large—faces a moment of reckoning. The arrest of an Inkosi and a prisoner in a political assassination case has broken new ground in exposing the complex web of power, fear, and silence that often surrounds political killings.
Investigators continue to probe deeper, and more arrests may follow. But for now, the community of Mpophomeni waits, hoping that this time, justice will not be delayed or denied.
Anyone with information related to political assassinations or threats to councillors is urged to contact SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111. Calls can be made anonymously.
