25-year sentence for killing of IFP councillor welcomed

22 October 2023

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), as the Official Opposition in the KZN Legislature, welcomes the 25-year sentence handed down to Ayanda Siyanda Mshengu by the Pietermaritzburg High Court.

In August 2019, Mshengu shot and killed IFP ward councillor, Mthembeni Excellent Majola and his nephew, Sithembiso Promise Mahlinza, in Escourt.

As the IFP, we welcome the sentence handed down to the killer who shot our councillor and his nephew.

Credit must go to the investigating team, who worked tirelessly to ensure that there was a watertight case against Mshengu. We feel vindicated, as on numerous occasions the IFP has called on the courts to show no mercy to ruthless killers. We commend the judge for ensuring that justice prevailed in this matter, and trust that the Majola family will now find some measure of solace.

This sentence must serve as a deterrent to any would-be killers.

While we welcome the sentence, we still want to know who ordered the killing of Councillor Mthembeni Majola, as well as several other councillors. Often, those who order these killings are let off the hook. They must also be apprehended.

We urge courts to ensure that anyone found guilty of murder is severely punished, without any option of getting parole. Gun-toting assassins have no place in our society; they must be weeded out and sent to jail for the rest of their lives.

Issued by Blessed Gwala, Leader of the Official Opposition and IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson for Community Safety and Liaison, 22 October 2023