Pietermaritzburg – KwaZulu-Natal police have arrested a fifth suspect in connection with the 2023 murder of Umngeni Municipality DA councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu.
The 44-year-old suspect was arrested on Sunday morning in the Mpophomeni area and is expected to appear in the Howick Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 17 August 2026.
Ndlovu was murdered at his home in 2023 in full view of his wife and children.
The latest arrest brings to five the number of suspects arrested and charged in connection with the councillor’s murder.
The KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) said its investigation had identified Chief Simphiwe Zuma of Nxamalala in Impendle as the alleged mastermind who issued the hit order.
Zuma remains in custody after being denied bail twice.
A hitman and a coordinator linked to the murder have already pleaded guilty to their involvement. Their plea proceedings are expected to be finalised on 21 August 2026 in the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court.
The task team said investigations were continuing and that police were pursuing outstanding leads to identify anyone else who may have been involved in the killing.
“The PKTT’s message is clear: political killings will not be tolerated and those who order, finance, facilitate or execute these murders will be pursued relentlessly and brought to justice,” police said.
SAPS commended the investigators for their continued work in the case.
The latest arrest, police said, forms part of efforts to ensure that Ndlovu’s family receives justice and that those responsible are held accountable.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
