More delays in Nhlalayenza Ndlovu’s murder case! The murder case involving the December 2023 killing of a DA councillor in uMngeni Municipality, Nhlalayenza Ndlovu, faced yet another delay on Friday when the magistrate expected to preside over the bail application of inkosi Simphiwe Zuma (55) was off sick.
Zuma, a traditional leader from the Nxamalala Tribal Authority faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder and murder.
His formal bail application was scheduled to continue at the Howick Magistrate’s Court, where he appeared alongside his three co-accused — Thobani Masobho Hlongwa (31), Khayelihle Shabalala (31) and Thabo Mathonsi (26).
Nhlalayenza Ndlovu
Induna Zwelithini Buthelezi, who served under Zuma and was the third accused in this matter, has since turned state witness under Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act, with all charges against him withdrawn last month.
Magistrate Sifiso Ntini, who oversaw Zuma’s first court appearance, has since recused himself from the case.
The matter was postponed to August 22, the same day Zuma is scheduled to appear at the Impendle Magistrate’s Court, where he is out on R25000 bail on similar charges related to the murder of Induna Qalokunye Zuma.
State advocate Lawrence Gcaba told the court that arrangements are being made for the Impendle case to be heard alongside the Howick matter next week.
Outside court, Nxamalala Tribal Authority prime minister Tallman Zuma expressed disappointment at the postponement.
“We had high hopes that we’d be returning home with our inkosi. The place he’s being kept in is not suitable for him and his people also need him. Even though there is stability, we still need his advice and guidance,” he said.
Zuma will now spend a third week at Westville Prison, where he has been held since his arrest in July 30. During his first appearance, his attorney, Mduduzi Nkomo, requested that he be transferred to Pietermaritzburg Prison for health and jurisdictional reasons.
However, the state opposed the request citing security concerns. The investigating officer flagged concerns that Mathonsi who is also being held in Pietermaritzburg for other crimes might collude with Zuma if they were placed in the same facility.
In other news – Lynn Forbes opens up about emotional dreams of her late son AKA
Lynn Forbes has opened up about life after the loss of her son, Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, more than two years after his tragic death. The award-winning rapper was shot and killed in Durban on 10 February 2023, leaving fans and family devastated.
In a heartfelt interview on the Ikigai Awakening podcast, shared on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, Lynn reflected on her ongoing grief and the ways her son still feels present in her life. Read More
