The murder trial of African National Congress (ANC) member and staunch supporter of former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede, Siduduzo Magwaza, continues in the Durban High Court, along with two men accused of organising the killing.
Magwaza was shot at his home in Cornubia on 12 January 2021. Despite being seriously injured, he asked his friend and fellow ANC member Mxolisi Percy Hadebe to take him to hospital. He was taken to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital and later succumbed to his injuries.
The accused, Hadebe and Siphamandla Makhanya, were identified at the scene of the crime on multiple occasions, with several state witnesses giving supporting testimonies. The pair were part of a Project Steering Committee overseeing tender projects in Ward 102, Verulam, where Magwaza played a key role in the distribution of contracts.
Defence Objects to Testimony
During cross-examination, Makhanya attempted to discredit Mthembu’s account, claiming that they had a secret romantic relationship and that he had asked Hadebe to demand money from him. However, Justice Balton rejected this claim as an attempt to undermine Mthembu’s testimony.
The case continues as the court continues to hear evidence in the politically charged case.