The High Court in Durban’s KwaZulu-Natal Local Division has handed down life sentences to Sithembiso Khumalo (56), a school principal, and Khulani Cele (48) for the murder of Captain Zwelakhe Ntombela.
In addition to the life sentences, Khumalo received an 8-year term for illegal possession of a firearm, another 8 years for additional unlawful possession of a firearm, 18 months for illegal possession of ammunition, and 8 years for obstructing justice.
These sentences will run concurrently, and both individuals have been deemed unfit to hold a firearm.
The verdict was reached on 11 May 2026, leading to their sentencing. They will be incarcerated alongside Nongcebo Ntombela, who was also sentenced to life for the murder of her husband.
As reported by KZN Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo, the Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation team arrested an additional suspect related to Captain Ntombela’s murder on Friday, 17 November 2023.
“Captain Ntombela was shot and killed as he arrived home in Umlazi on 3 May 2023. Following his murder, both his personal and service firearms were stolen. A murder case was filed at the Umlazi police station, with the investigation handed over to the Durban Hawks for thorough analysis.
“In July, Mzo Ntombela (27) was apprehended by Hawks officers in cooperation with the National Intervention Unit in the Umsinga area, where he had been hiding. Captain Ntombela’s firearms were located at KwaMaphumulo. Mzo received a 20-year sentence on 21 August 2023,” he stated.
Mhlongo indicated that after Mzo’s sentencing, Nongcebo Ntombela (43), the victim’s spouse, was taken into custody and charged with her husband’s murder.
“Hawks operatives conducted further investigations, resulting in the arrest of Khulani Cele (45), who was already serving a life sentence at New Prison Correctional Services in Pietermaritzburg.
“The additional suspect, 53 years old, will appear alongside Nongcebo and Khulani in the Umlazi Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 20 November 2023,” he added.
