KEY POINTS
- A witness declined an assassination offer, saying R20,000 ($1088) was too low.
- Cellphone records contradicted the accused’s statements about his whereabouts.
- The alleged mastermind sought political and financial gains after the murder.
The Durban High Court heard shocking testimony about the murder of Siduduzo Innocent Magwaza, an ANC member and a close ally of former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede.
A state witness revealed that the man accused of shooting Magwaza, Siphamandla Makhanya, had approached his best friend to assist with the hit but was turned down because the payment offered, R20,000 ($1088), was deemed too low.
According to IOL, Magwaza was shot and killed inside his Cornubia flat on January 12, 2021.
The State alleges that Makhanya was sent by Mxolisi Percy Hadebe, who was trying to gain access to lucrative tender projects in Verulam’s Ward 102.
At the time, Magwaza was benefiting from these projects, while Hadebe was not.
Murder linked to political rivalry
According to court testimony, Hadebe and Magwaza were both part of a project steering committee handling tenders.
While they were acquainted, tensions grew over financial opportunities, leading to an alleged plot to eliminate Magwaza.
During testimony, witness Sakhile Zungu stated that Makhanya had confided in him, saying he was trusted because he “kills politicians.”
However, Zungu dismissed the offer, saying the payment was not enough to sway him emotionally.
Judge Sharmaine Balton expressed doubts about Zungu’s credibility, questioning his failure to disclose his occupation.
She also highlighted contradictions in Makhanya and Hadebe’s statements, particularly regarding their movements before and after the murder.
Cellphone records expose lies
One of the most damning pieces of evidence was the cellphone data, which discredited Makhanya’s initial testimony.
While Makhanya claimed he arrived in Cornubia on December 27, 2020, cellphone records showed he was only in the area from December 29 until the day of the murder.
After Magwaza’s assassination, the accused allegedly traveled to uMlazi for a cleansing ritual.
Before Magwaza’s funeral, Hadebe reportedly lobbied ANC members and acquaintances to secure tenders that previously belonged to Magwaza.
Additionally, the court heard that Hadebe had privately admitted his involvement in the murder and even pleaded with Zungu to remain silent. However, Zungu had already informed authorities.
The trial is set to continue next week as the court reviews further evidence and testimonies.
