On Thursday 9 November 2023, the Durban Regional Court convicted and sentenced Wesley Matiri Madonsela (53) to 10 years direct imprisonment for murder of Siphelele Nxumalo.
On 2 February 1989 Nxumalo was on the road when he was approached by Madonsela and his accomplices. They fired shots towards him and fled the scene. According to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report Nxumalo was a United Democratic Front (UDF) activist when he was shot and killed by members of Chesterville A-Team during political conflict between UDF and Inkatha supporters.
A case of murder was reported at Cato Manor police station and Madonsela was later arrested. He appeared in court and was granted bail. He then absconded and allegedly fled the country. A warrant of arrest was issued and the case docket was filed. Madonsela was on the run since then and he never appeared in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
In July 2023, he was traced and arrested by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Durban that is assigned to deal with TRC cases in the province, then ultimately convicted and sentenced.
The National Head of the DPCI, Lieutenant General (Dr/Adv) Godfrey Lebeya commended the work of the investigation and prosecution team that have worked tirelessly on these complicated and long outstanding matters.
