Police Task Team Arrests Chief and Hitman in Murder of Whistleblower Ntombela

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has praised the swift and decisive action of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Political Killings Task Team, which successfully arrested suspects linked to the murder of whistleblower Xolani Ndlovu Ntombela. The breakthrough comes less than a week after the return of over 120 unresolved political violence dockets to the specialized unit.

Arrest of Chief and Hitman

The suspects—a 55-year-old local chief and a 23-year-old alleged hitman—were apprehended in connection with Ntombela’s murder and appeared before the Howick Magistrate’s Court on Monday. They face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Ntombela, a respected community figure and whistleblower, was brutally gunned down in November 2022 inside his homestead in Emasosheni, Mpophomeni, KwaZulu-Natal. Preliminary findings indicate that his killing was an act of retaliation after he exposed the illegal sale of land in the area—an issue that has long been a flashpoint for tension and conflict within communities.

Dockets Reopened for Justice

Ntombela’s case was among the 121 dockets returned to the Political Killings Task Team on 28 August 2025. Remarkably, within a week of reassuming control of the investigations, the task team made decisive progress by arresting the chief and the alleged gunman.

“The turnaround time and swift arrests following the return of the dockets is encouraging and it is a step in the right direction. We urge the team to continue with their investigations in the remaining 120 dockets. We need to solve all these cases because families need answers and closure,” General Masemola said.

Political Killings Task Team’s Track Record

The Political Killings Task Team was established in July 2018 to address the scourge of politically motivated murders in KwaZulu-Natal, which has been a hotspot for such crimes. Since its inception, the unit has delivered significant results:

• Over 130 convictions for crimes ranging from murder and attempted murder to conspiracy to commit murder.

• Disruption of organized criminal networks linked to political violence.

• Improved coordination with intelligence and community policing structures.

Despite progress, political killings remain a persistent challenge, often linked to tender disputes, land issues, local political rivalries, and whistleblowing on corruption.

Restoring Community Confidence

The arrest of Ntombela’s alleged killers has been welcomed as a sign that justice is possible for victims of political violence. Communities plagued by similar crimes have long called for stronger action and accountability from law enforcement.

By targeting both intellectual authors and hired killers, the task team is seeking to dismantle not just the networks of violence but also the culture of impunity that has allowed such crimes to flourish.

Looking Ahead

While Ntombela’s family and community await the outcome of the trial, the arrests represent a symbolic victory in the fight against politically motivated assassinations. For SAPS, the challenge now lies in ensuring that the remaining 120 dockets are pursued with the same urgency and efficiency.

As Masemola emphasized, solving these cases is not only about accountability but also about healing communities and restoring trust in the state’s ability to protect those who stand up against corruption and criminality.