Murder mastermind allegedly paid R30k to kill hitman who ‘assassinated’ ANC veteran Zibuse Mlaba

The alleged mastermind behind the murder of ANC veteran Zibuse Mlaba, is alleged to have paid R30,000 for the assassination of the hitman. The hit was ordered after the mastermind learned that the hitman was 'singing like a bird'.

This was revealed by prosecutor Sanele Ntombela, who was cross-examining Mzamo Duncan Mlaba,63, who allegedly paid R130,000 to have his cousin Zibuse Mlaba killed on October 21, 2021, at Wareing's Shopping Centre in Cato Ridge. 

Zibuse Mlaba was the chief regent in the KwaXimba area in Camperdown and also served as a member of the provincial legislature.

Mzamo Mlaba is currently seeking bail in the Umlazi Magistrates' Court where he is accused of killing Mncedisi Gwala, the hitman he allegedly hired to murder Zibuse. 

During the proceedings, Ntombela informed Mzamo that three Section 204 witnesses will give testimony. A Section 204 witness is an individual involved in a crime who agrees to testify against the co-accused for the State, potentially in exchange for immunity from prosecution.

Ntombela said that one of these witnesses, Fortune Dlamini, claims to have acted on Mzamo’s instructions to arrange Gwala's murder. When asked if he wished to comment on this allegation, Mzamo declined.

Ntombela told Mzamo that Dlamini had revealed that Gwala and his nephew, Nhlanhla Hlongwa, were arrested in Umlazi in December 2021.

“You got wind that Gwala was talking in prison about his involvement in the murder of Zibuse. You then arranged with Dlamini for Gwala's bail and for him to be killed upon his release. Can you comment on that?” 

Ntombela then claimed that the funds for Gwala's bail and subsequent assassination were provided by Mzamo. He said that Dlamini, who coordinated the assassination, hired Mduduzi Ngubane and Khanyisani Dlamini to kill Gwala. According to Ntombela, Gwala was murdered because he was among the group who shot Zibuse.

Mzamo dismissed the allegation as false.

“Dlamini paid Ngubane R30,000 for the murder, which came from you. Any comments on that?” Ntombela asked.

“I don’t know anything,” Mzamo replied. 

Ntombela said Hlongwa was not released on bail as he had a previous conviction. 

Ntombela said Hlongwa has recently pleaded guilty and that his plea corroborates Dlamini’s statement. He asked Mzamo if he wished to comment on this.

“I’m just listening and I hear you. No comment,” Mzamo said, while folding his arms. 

Hlongwa was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment for killing Zibuse, and Dlamini was sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment. Both men pleaded guilty. Ntombela told the court that both Hlongwa and Dlamini said that the plan to kill Zibuse was hatched at Mzamo’s house. 

However, Mzamo has denied all of this, saying that the only person he knows is Dlamini. He said he had never met Gwala or Hlongwa. 

“If Hlongwa were to direct officers to your house, would that surprise you?” Ntombela asked. 

Mzamo said he would be surprised.

He said he was never involved in Gwala’s murder. He has also denied being involved in Zibuse’s murder, saying that he usually helped him with money and that there was no conflict between them.

The bail application continues. 

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