Officials Get Life Sentences for Municipal Director’s Murder
Justice Served Years After Ambush
The family of slain municipal official Oscar Simingaye Hlatshwayo has expressed satisfaction with the life sentences handed down to his killers. The executive director for technical services at Alfred Duma local municipality was fatally shot in February 2019 while en route to work.
Cold-Blooded Ambush
The Madadeni regional court found Nomaswazi Angel Shabalala, Mondli Mabaso, Mduduzi James Zakes Njuza, and Nqobile Brown Ngcobo guilty of murder. The court heard that the assailants orchestrated an ambush at a busy intersection. They opened fire on Hlatshwayo‘s vehicle, inflicting fatal gunshot wounds to his head and chest.
A Widow’s Grief and Relief
Hlatshwayo‘s wife, Zinhle, shared the profound impact of the lengthy trial on her healing process. She stated, “I have double emotions now. It almost feels as if I have just been informed about my husband’s death. While I appreciate that justice has been served, I feel I have been robbed of the pillar, my friend and husband.”
She also revealed the heartbreak of discovering that her husband’s colleague, Shabalala, was among those responsible, noting that Shabalala had even offered condolences at their home shortly after the murder.
“At the time, we did not know she was the one behind my husband’s death. Even till now, she has never shown remorse. It breaks my heart because she knew my husband’s humble beginnings as they all grew up together. She also knew me.”
—Zinhle Hlatshwayo
The court considered evidence including witness testimonies, video footage, cellphone data, and ballistic reports. A victim impact statement detailed the devastating effect of Hlatshwayo‘s death on his family. The statement highlighted his role as the family’s breadwinner and a pillar of support for extended family and the community. His eldest child has reportedly struggled with depression and anger following the incident, while his younger children were unborn at the time of the killing.
The gravity of murder convictions, particularly those involving public officials, underscores ongoing challenges with political violence in South Africa. In 2022, over 50 political killings were reported across the country, underscoring the need for swift and decisive justice (News24, 2023).
Sentencing and Unfitness for Firearms
All four convicted individuals received life imprisonment sentences. Additionally, they have been declared unfit to possess firearms, a measure aimed at preventing future acts of violence.
