The family of slain Democratic AllianceDA 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.