Nxamalala Tribal Authority leader Simphiwe Zuma will spend Christmas in Westville Prison after all three of his criminal matters were postponed to January. The 55-year-old traditional leader is facing three separate cases, each involving charges of murder or conspiracy to commit murder. In the first case, for which he was granted R25 000 bail, Zuma is accused of involvement in the killing of Induna Qalokunye Zuma, who was shot dead at his Impendle home in January 2023.
Zuma is also charged with the murder of uMngeni Municipality DA councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu, who was gunned down at his Emasosheni home near Mpophomeni in December 2023. Bail in this case was denied, and Zuma is currently appealing that decision. The traditional leader has further applied for bail in a third case, which relates to the November 2022 murder of Xolani Ndlovu-Ntombela, also in Emasosheni.
Zuma, along with his co-accused in the first two matters—Thobani Masobho Hlongwa, Khayelihle Hlongwa and Deon Mathonsi—made a brief appearance in the Howick Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. The third accused in the Ndlovu-Ntombela matter, Thembelani Mbatha, also appeared. The case was set down for a possible bail application and the serving of the indictment.
Read Full Article on The Witness
[paywall]
However, proceedings could not continue as Zuma’s legal representatives were not present. According to state prosecutor Zwakushiwo Nzama, Zuma’s attorneys stated they had believed the matter was scheduled for December 14, which is Sunday. Zuma, who appeared visibly disappointed in court, is expected to return on January 12.
[/paywall]
