Magaqa trial set for April 2020
The trial of three men accused of killing former African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa is set to start in April 2020.
Magaqa, who served as a local councillor, was gunned down in uMzimkhulu in 2017, in what was seen as a political killing.
The three suspects in his murder - Sibonelo Myeza, Mbulelo Mpofana and Mlungisi Ncalane - appeared in the Scottburgh Magistrates Court on Monday.
The accused also face two counts of attempted murder of two councillors, Nontsikelelo Mafu and Jabulile Msiya, who were also injured on the day Magaqa was attacked.
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They were denied bail earlier this year.
The state provisionally dropped charges against the former mayor, who’s now deputy KZN Legislature speaker, Mluleki Ndobe.
Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in KZN, Natasha Kara, says the trial date was changed because accused changed their legal council.
"The matter did not proceed and the accused were remanded to the 14yth of April next year for trial in the matter. The reason for the matter not proceeding is that all the accused in this matter hanged their legal representation.
"So the matter was set down for April to May next year in the Pitermaritzburh Hig Court for the trial."