Mapaballo Borotho

The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) has called on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to act swiftly in pursuing all leads related to the assassination of its former Secretary-General, Sindiso Magaqa, including those who allegedly planned and financed the killing.
This follows the Pietermaritzburg High Court’s sentencing of Sibusiso Ncengwa to an effective 25 years in prison for Magaqa’s murder.
Ncengwa confessed to the 2017 cold-blooded assassination, which took place outside a tuck shop in Umzimkhulu, KwaZulu-Natal. Two other councillors who were with Magaqa at the time survived the attack.
In a statement released on Monday, 07 July 2025, the ANCYL welcomed the sentencing but expressed concern over what it describes as a ‘web of alleged political conspirators’ who remain unaccountable.
“The confession made by Ncengwa implicates high-ranking individuals, including municipal officials and political figures,” the Youth League stated.
While we welcome this sentence, the ANCYL remains deeply concerned… We will not rest until full justice is served—not only for Magaqa’s family but for every young activist who refuses to be silenced by corruption, intimidation, or violence.
Let this sentencing be a reminder that justice may be delayed, but it cannot be denied. We recommit ourselves to building the kind of fearless, honest, and militant Youth League he lived and died fighting for.”
Three of Ncengwa’s co-accused remain in custody, while one has been declared mentally unfit to stand trial.
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