Two suspects charged in political killing of land corruption whistleblower
Two suspects have been charged in the 2022 murder of Xolani Ndlovu-Ntombela, a whistleblower exposing illegal land sales.
Image: file
Two suspects have been charged in connection with the 2022 murder of Mpophomeni resident Xolani Ndlovu-Ntombela, who was reportedly targeted for exposing illegal land sales in the Emasosheni area outside Howick.
Ndlovu-Ntombela was gunned down at his home in November 2022. Police believe his killing was a hit linked to his efforts in exposing the unlawful allocation and sale of land.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that detectives from the Political Killings Task Team charged the two men with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
“The suspects were charged for murder, conspiracy to commit murder and possession of unlicenced firearms and ammunition,” said Netshiunda.
The two accused, aged 55 and 23, were already in custody at the time of their charging. One is in the process of applying for bail, while the other is awaiting trial for a separate murder case, said Netshiunda.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant- General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi applauded the work of the task team and the National Prosecuting Authority, saying their persistence was starting to yield results in politically motivated cases.
“The relentless efforts in solving political killings-related cases are bearing desired fruits,” he said.
The case is one of 121 politically linked dockets recently reassigned to the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team as part of renewed efforts to crack down on political violence in the province.
Netshiunda said the suspects are due to appear in the Howick Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 8 September 2025.
hope.ntanzi@iol.co,za
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