Traditional leader details R6M property portfolio and business empire in bail bid for murder

Inkosi Simphiwe Zuma, a traditional leader facing multiple murder charges, has revealed the extent of his wealth in a bid for bail at the Howick Magistrates Court.

Zuma, accused of plotting the killing of his nephew, Democratic Alliance councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu in uMngeni Local Municipality, declared a multi-million-rand property portfolio, a substantial livestock business and a fleet of vehicles.

In an affidavit read by his lawyer, Advocate Sthembiso “Sticks” Mdladla, Zuma disclosed that he owns four properties: a R1.4 million home in Mpendle, a R1.5 million property in Sweetwaters, Pietermaritzburg, a R1.5 million house in Howick West and a R1.7 million residence in Claridge, near Hilton, in the KZN Midlands.

His wife, a teacher, lives in Mpendle, while his children and fiancées occupy the other homes. He further stated that he owns 400 cattle, 42 goats and 120 sheep, claiming an annual income of R500 000 from livestock sales and R300 000 from fresh produce.

He also owns three minibus taxis, each generating about R50 000 per month, as well as two SUVs, a double-cab bakkie and two tractors. The court heard that Zuma supports 10 children, two with his wife and eight out of wedlock, and pays close to R160 000 annually in school and crèche fees.

Zuma, who appeared immaculately dressed on Monday, has denied all charges. Last week, he appeared dressed in a black crew neck long sleeve top and matching joggers from recently deceased high-end fashion designer Giorgio Armani's youthful and urban line, Armani Exchange.

The State alleges that he paid R70 000 to fund and facilitate Ndlovu’s murder, said to have been motivated by the councillor’s opposition to illegal electricity connections in Mpophomeni.

Ndlovu's murder was investigated by the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team.

Zuma is also charged with the murder of his cousin, senior induna Qalokunye Zuma, and more recently with the killing of Xolani Ndlovu-Ntombela.

Ndlovu-Ntombela was killed in November 2022 for allegedly exposing the illegal sale of land in eMasosheni in Mpophomeni.

The Ndlovu-Ntombela matter was also investigated by the KZN Political Killings Task Team.

Prosecutors further contend that Zuma secured bail on a previous murder charge through a R200 000 bribe, allegedly paid by uMkhonto weSizwe Party MPL Thobani Zuma.

Investigators also claim he attempted to arrange the poisoning of a witness in a case linked to a close associate of businessman Khulubuse Zuma.

Zuma’s co-accused are Thobani Hlongwa, Khayelihle Shabalala and Thabo Chonco. Another accused, Zwelithini Buthelezi, has turned State witness. Zuma was released by the Mpendle Magistrates Court on bail in July for the murder of his cousin, Qalokunye Zuma, but was re-arrested a few weeks later by the Political Killings Task Team for the murder of Ndlovu.

Zuma is imprisoned at Westville Correctional Facility and his bid to be moved to a jail closer to Pietermaritzburg was rejected by the court.

He was recently found with a mobile phone in his jail cell. The bail application and arguments will continue on September 15. 

SUNDAY TRIBUNE