In a stunning twist of corruption and abuse of power, two high-ranking police officers have been convicted by the Pinetown Regional Court for accepting a R120,000 bribe in an attempt to weaken the murder case against Felokwakhe Ndlovu, a man accused of killing Thulani Nxumalo, an ANC branch leader in KwaNdengezi.
Retired Lieutenant-Colonel Khephu Ndlovu and Captain Bonginkosi Dlamini were bribed by Sibongile Ndlovu, who arrived at the Durban Central Police Station parking lot with a bag containing the large sum of money. The bribe was intended to manipulate the ongoing investigation into the 2018 murder of Nxumalo, which was deeply tied to land disputes within the community.
The bribe was part of a coordinated effort by the Ndlovu family to have Felokwakhe acquitted of Nxumalo’s murder. Sibongile and her son, Lindokuhle, were also found guilty of corruption and defeating the ends of justice. The court heard how Captain Dlamini instructed a key state witness to withdraw his testimony, threatening him with harm if he continued to cooperate with the investigation.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant-Colonel Khephu Ndlovu used his influence to undermine the police investigation, contacting those involved in the case in a bid to derail the proceedings. At the time of the crime, Ndlovu was a senior officer in the Visible Policing Unit and served as the police spokesperson for Durban South District, adding a layer of authority to the illegal interference.
In a shocking turn of events, the murder case also tied back to allegations of land corruption. Nxumalo, who was opposed to the land sales led by Felokwakhe Ndlovu, had been a vocal critic of the practice, which was aimed at selling land meant for community development. This opposition ultimately cost Nxumalo his life, as Felokwakhe is said to have paid a hitman R2,000 to carry out the murder.
Magistrate Muntukayise Khumalo, delivering the court’s verdict, stated that after a thorough examination of the evidence, the prosecution had successfully proven the guilt of all five accused. “The court is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the truth has been established in this matter,” Magistrate Khumalo said.
The case, which has uncovered a disturbing web of corruption and justice interference, will proceed to sentencing at the end of this month. The verdict sends a strong message about the dangers of exploiting positions of power to obstruct justice, particularly when it involves the murder of a community leader.
As the Ndlovu family members face their convictions, the ramifications of their actions continue to reverberate through both the law enforcement and political spheres.
