Family of slain KZN DA councillor hopes for closure after key arrest

The family of slain Democratic Alliance(DA) councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu, who were forced to flee their home near Howick in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands after his murder, say they’re hopeful for closure following the recent arrest of another suspect. Ndlovu, who was the Chief Whip in the uMngeni local municipality, was shot dead in front of his wife and children in December 2023. 

Last week, an induna from the Mpophomeni area, Zwelithini Buthelezi, was arrested and appeared alongside two other accused, Thabane Hlongwa and Khayelihle Shabalala, in the Howick Magistrate’s Court on Friday. They face charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. All three were remanded in custody. 

The murder shocked the Mpopomeni community, prompting speculation of a political motive. The family, along with political leaders, had raised concerns about the slow pace of the investigation.

Hlongwa, believed to be the gunman, and Shabalala were arrested earlier this year. Buthelezi is suspected of being the mastermind behind the killing and has also been linked to another murder in nearby Impendle. 

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Ndlovu’s family remains in the dark about the motive and say the trauma still haunts them. Some relatives still feel unsafe and have been unable to attend court hearings. Ndlovu’s younger brother, Sthembiso, says the arrest brings some hope. 

“We had lost hope that the case will progress but now the way things are going, we believe that everything will go accordingly. We are happy that he handed himself over to the police even though we don’t know his plan for that. The death of our brother is still difficult to talk about. He left his wife and two children — one was just five-months-old. It’s an uphill for his wife who is now a single parent.” 

The family is receiving assistance from AfriForum’s private prosecution unit. AfriForum’s Barry Bateman welcomed the arrest, though criticized the delays.

DA provincial leader Francois Rodgers echoed the sentiment, “There are a lot of unanswered questions but at the end of the day we just want to see justice for Nhlalayenza, for the family, for his friends and for the party. Those behind this know they need to take the rap for what they’ve done.” 

The three accused are expected back in court on July 9. The Ndlovu family says a successful prosecution would help bring long-awaited closure.