Pietermaritzburg High Court
By Nkosana Khumalo
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has welcomed a significant judgment by the Pietermaritzburg High Court, which found Sabelo Phewa guilty of murdering Sibusiso Sithole, the late Richmond Local Municipality Manager. The court’s ruling marks a crucial step towards justice in a case that has gripped the community since Sithole’s tragic death in 2017. Sentencing is scheduled for 31 July 2025 at the Durban High Court.
A Tragic Loss in the Fight Against Corruption
Sibusiso Sithole was a dedicated public servant who lost his life while working to expose corruption within the Richmond Local Municipality. On a fateful day in 2017, Sithole was shot and killed at the Richmond licensing office as he made his way to a council meeting. He had been investigating fraud and corruption involving tenders and kickbacks, issues that threatened the integrity of the municipality. His death underscored the perilous risks faced by those committed to rooting out malfeasance in South Africa’s public sector.
Investigation and Arrest: SAPS Task Team Steps In
The investigation into Sithole’s murder initially progressed slowly, but a breakthrough came in 2018 when the SAPS Political Killings task team took over the case. Their diligent efforts led to the arrest of Sabelo Phewa, the prime suspect. During the arrest, authorities recovered a firearm in Phewa’s possession, which forensic evidence later linked to multiple murders, including that of Amos Ngcobo. Ngcobo’s wife, who had orchestrated her husband’s killing, turned state witness and received a five-year prison sentence for her role in the crime.
Court Findings: Multiple Guilty Verdicts
The Pietermaritzburg High Court delivered a comprehensive verdict, finding Phewa guilty on several charges:
• Murder of Sibusiso Sithole: For the 2017 killing at the Richmond licensing office.
• Murder of Amos Ngcobo: Linked through the firearm in Phewa’s possession.
• Attempted murder of police officers: Committed during his arrest, as he resisted apprehension.
• Possession of an unlicensed firearm: The weapon tied to the murders.
• Unlawful possession of ammunition: Further compounding his offenses.
The court’s decision has been hailed as a triumph for justice and a testament to the SAPS task team’s persistence.
SAPS and Community Response
The SAPS expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating:
“The firearm found in his possession at the time of his arrest was found to be linked to several other murders, including that of Amos Ngcobo, whose wife had ordered the hit. The wife turned state witness and was sentenced to five years imprisonment.”
A spokesperson for the SAPS added:
“The conviction of Sabelo Phewa is a significant milestone in our fight against political killings and corruption. It sends a clear message that those who commit such heinous acts will be held accountable.”
The Richmond community, still mourning Sithole’s loss, has also welcomed the verdict, seeing it as a step towards closure and accountability.
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