Former Umzimkhulu municipal manager linked to Sindiso Magaqa's murder to make first high court appearance

The former Umzimkhulu municipal manager linked to the murder of African National Congress (ANC) councillor Sindiso Magaqa is expected to make his first appearance in the Pietermaritzburg High Court  on Monday.

Stanley Sikhosana faces a string of charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, and defeating the ends of justice.

Magaqa was ambushed and shot execution-style near his home in Umzimkhulu in July 2017.

He succumbed to his injuries two months later.

Sikhosana was arrested in July and was denied bail by the Umzimkhulu Magistrate's Court in September.

The alleged mastermind will appear alongside his co-accused, former police officer Sabelo Myeza and businessman Mbulelo Mpofana.

The prosecution already served an indictment on Sikhosana.

In September, the Umzimkhulu Magistrate's Court denied Sikhosana bail, saying he failed to argue his case.

NPA spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara explains: "In denying Sikhosana bail, the magistrate said that he did not prove exceptional circumstances that warrant his release on bail. Further, the court said that Sikhosana did not show that his release on bail was in the interest of justice."

The Magaqa family said that they hope that the high court proceedings will finally bring them some closure.