It’s been eight years since the tragic assassination of former ANC Youth League (ANCYL) secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa shocked South Africa.
Now, there’s finally a sense of justice.
The man behind the hit, Sibusiso Ncengwa, has been sentenced — bringing a long-awaited moment of accountability for Magaqa’s supporters and family.
A Courageous Whistleblower Gunned Down
Back in July 2017, Sindiso Magaqa was ambushed and shot multiple times in Umzimkhulu, KwaZulu-Natal — a place he called home and where he served as a councillor.
His crime? Daring to expose corruption in his municipality.
Despite fighting for his life for months, he sadly died in September that year, at just 35.
Magaqa’s murder wasn’t just personal; it was political.
A bold voice silenced at the peak of his activism, leaving a haunting question over who really wanted him dead.
The Hitman Sentenced: 25 Years Behind Bars
This week, the Pietermaritzburg High Court sentenced Sibusiso Ncengwa, the man convicted of executing the assassination, to an effective 25 years in prison.
Ncengwa had pleaded for leniency, pointing out that he had already spent eight years behind bars.
But the court held firm.
His charges were severe:
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25 years for murder
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25 years for conspiracy to commit murder
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Five years each for three counts of attempted murder
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Three years each for three counts of malicious damage to property
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Five years for unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm
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Five years for unlawful possession of another firearm
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One year for possession of ammunition
These sentences will run concurrently, which means he’ll serve a total of 25 years.
ANCYL Applauds the Verdict but Demands More
The ANC Youth League has publicly welcomed the sentence, calling it a necessary step toward justice.
According to ANCYL secretary-general Mntuwoxolo Ngudle, Magaqa was a principled leader who fearlessly challenged corruption — even when it placed his life in danger.
Ngudle emphasized that Magaqa’s assassination was a devastating loss for both the Youth League and South Africa’s democratic movement.
“He stood for truth, activism, and integrity,” he said.
Political Puppet Masters Still at Large?
While the sentencing of Ncengwa offers some closure, the ANCYL made it clear: this is not the end.
They are now calling on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and law enforcement to dig deeper.
According to Ngudle, Ncengwa’s own confession has reportedly implicated several high-level individuals — including municipal officials and politicians.
The ANCYL believes the true masterminds behind Magaqa’s murder have yet to face justice.
“The people who ordered and financed this assassination are still out there,” Ngudle stressed, urging authorities to pursue every lead and hold all those responsible to account.
What Do You Think — Is Justice Served?
The sentencing has stirred national conversation.
Some say 25 years isn’t enough, while others believe it’s a turning point in confronting political violence.