Pietermaritzburg: The National Police Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has praised the efforts of the investigating team following the 25-year imprisonment sentence imposed on hitman Sibusiso Ncengwa for the murder of Sindiso Magaqa in July 2017.

According to South African Government News Agency, the SAPS Political Killings Task Team took charge of the case in July 2018 shortly after their formation. Their swift actions led to the arrest of the first hitman, Ncengwa, in August 2018. Following this, six more individuals were detained by December of the same year.

The Pietermaritzburg High Court delivered its verdict on Monday, finding Ncengwa guilty on 11 counts. The charges comprised conspiracy to commit murder, murder, attempted murder, malicious damage to property, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. Notably, Count 1, involving conspiracy to commit murder, alongside Counts 3 through 11, will run concurrently with Count 2, which pertains to the murder charge, resulting in a 25-year sentence.

Three other accused remain in custody, with one declared mentally unfit to stand trial and currently housed in a mental institution. The trial for the remaining two, who are deemed fit for trial, is scheduled to be heard between 19 September 2025 and 21 October 2025 in the Pietermaritzburg High Court.