- Chief Simphiwe Erick Zuma charged with third count of murder.
- The case involves the 2022 killing of Xolani Ntombela-Ndlovu in Mpophomeni.
- Zuma denies charges, accuses state witness of fabrications.
- Bail application hearing postponed to Monday.
Third Murder Charge for KwaZulu-Natal Chief
KwaZulu-Natal traditional leader, Inkosi Simphiwe Erick Zuma, is now facing a third murder charge after appearing in the Howick Magistrate’s Court this week. The case relates to the 2022 killing of community leader Xolani Ntombela-Ndlovu in Masosheni, Mpophomeni.
Charges and Co-Accused
Zuma had already been charged with the murder of former DA councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu and the killing of Nxamalala traditional leader Qalokunye Zuma. The state has now added another charge, accusing him of conspiring to kill Ntombela-Ndlovu, who had reportedly opposed controversial municipal land deals.
Zuma appeared alongside Thembelani Mbatha, while prosecutors confirmed that a third suspect will soon be arrested. Lead prosecutor Advocate Lawrence Gcaba told the court that investigations are “95% complete” and the suspect is expected in court on Friday.
Bail Application Postponed
The matter has been postponed to Monday, when the court will finalise the scheduling of Zuma’s bail application. In the Ntombela-Ndlovu case, Zuma is charged alongside Thobani Hlongwa, Khayelihle Shabalala, and Thabo Chonco.
Former co-accused Zwelithini Buthelezi has since turned state witness, a move Zuma strongly opposes.
Zuma Denies Conspiracy Allegations
Zuma’s lawyer, Advocate Sthembiso “Sticks” Mdladla, rejected allegations that his client conspired to kill Ntombela-Ndlovu, saying there was no motive to plot against “his own relative.”
In a sworn affidavit, Zuma accused Buthelezi of fabricating evidence to save himself from prosecution.
“He says anything about me to avoid jail. The state is relying on an unreliable witness,” Zuma claimed.
Bribery and Witness Intimidation Claims
The state has alleged that Zuma attempted to bribe a magistrate with R200,000, allegedly paid by KwaZulu-Natal MPL Thobani Zuma, to secure bail in one of his previous cases. Zuma dismissed the allegations as attempts to tarnish reputations.
He also denied claims that he tried to pressure Buthelezi into poisoning a witness linked to businessman Khulubuse Zuma, insisting he had “no dealings with Khulubuse, who I know is in Dubai.”
Jailhouse Assault Allegations
In court papers, Zuma further alleged that investigators assaulted him during a prison search, causing a nosebleed. During the same search, he was reportedly found with a cellphone.
The case will return to the Howick Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where final arguments on his bail application will be heard.