By: Buhle Mbhele
The pre-trial hearing in the murder case of former ANC Youth League secretary-general and Mzimkhulu councillor Sindiso Magaqa has been scheduled for 27 August.
Pietermaritzburg High Court Judge Mluleki Chithi has warned the defence that he will not tolerate any further delays in the matter, noting that the State has indicated its readiness to proceed to trial.
Magaqa was shot in 2017 in what prosecutors describe as a politically motivated hit. He later succumbed to his injuries. At the time of his death, he was serving as an ANC councillor in Mzimkhulu, south of KwaZulu-Natal.
One of the accused in the matter has already pleaded guilty to charges related to the killing.
The remaining three accused appeared in the Pietermaritzburg High Court this week, where legal representatives for former municipal manager Stanley Sikhosana raised issues that resulted in the postponement of proceedings.
Sikhosana’s legal team told the court that it requires additional time to obtain and study transcripts related to testimony presented by Witness E before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. According to the defence, the witness testified about alleged political figures linked to Magaqa’s murder, and the information could be relevant to trial preparations.
The State, however, maintained that it is fully prepared to proceed with the case and even offered assistance to the defence in obtaining the necessary documentation to avoid further delays.
While the matter will return to court for a pre-trial hearing in August, possible trial dates between November and December are also being considered as the court moves closer to hearing the long-running case.
