The South African Police Service (SAPS) Political Killings Task Team has swiftly apprehended suspects linked to the 2022 murder of whistleblower Xolani Ndlovu Ntombela. National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola praised the team for their rapid action.
“The turnaround time and swift arrests following the return of the dockets is encouraging and it is a step in the right direction. We urge the team to continue with their investigations in the remaining 120 dockets.
– Advertisement –
“We need to solve all these cases because families need answers and closure,” said Gen Masemola.
Arrests Reveal Shocking Motive Behind Ntombela Killing
Within a week of receiving the murder docket on Thursday, 28 August 2025, the task team arrested a 55-year-old local chief and a 23-year-old hitman in connection with Ntombela’s death.
Advertisements
Ntombela was shot and killed in November 2022 inside his homestead in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal. Preliminary investigations indicate that he was targeted for exposing illegal land sales in the Emasosheni area of Mpophomeni.
The suspects appeared before the Howick Magistrate’s Court this morning, facing charges including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Parliament Resumes: Ramaphosa Faces Questions As Digital Migration Tops Agenda
Since its inception in July 2018, the Political Killings Task Team has successfully investigated high-profile cases, leading to the conviction of more than 130 accused for murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder.
The Ntombela case is one of 121 dockets recently returned to the task team for continued investigation.
– Advertisement –
Advertisements
For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On Facebook, X, Instagram and Bluesky
– Advertisement –
