The family of the slain ACDP councillor and Pastor John Myaka has expressed satisfaction with the life imprisonment sentence handed down to his killers by the Eskhawini Regional Court this week.

Myaka was tragically gunned down on June 27, 2023, while preaching in his church in front of congregants. Phakamani Eugene Khumalo and Sandile Mthokozisi Mabuyakhulu were convicted of the murder, which was orchestrated by Nonhlanhla Luthuli.

Luthuli, who has since died, had sold her house to Myaka for R70,000 but repeatedly failed to move out despite receiving payments. She ordered the hit on Myaka, paying the killers R10,000 of the R20,000 agreed upon for the assassination, with the remainder promised after the job was done—a payment she failed to make.

Magistrate P. Nhleko further sentenced Khumalo and Mabuyakhulu to an additional 10 years each for the unlawful possession of a firearm, and 18 months each for the illegal possession of ammunition.

Alfred Myaka, the elder brother of the deceased, stated that the family was satisfied and happy with the sentence. He extended gratitude to the investigative team and the prosecution, praising State senior prosecutor Advocate Elvis Gcweka for his professionalism. 

“The way the matter was handled makes us happy as a family, considering how my brother was killed,” he said. 

He added that it remains difficult for the family to speak about the incident. Ntokozo Myaka, the daughter of Myaka, speaking on behalf of her siblings, said life would never be the same. 

“The pain of losing him, especially in such a violent way, is something we will carry forever,” she said.

Following their mother’s death in 2018, she said their father had been their mother and father, a provider, and a spiritual guide. She lamented that her father had finally achieved his dream of building a home, only for it to end in the most cruel and senseless way.

Sifiso Mkhwanazi, Myaka’s nephew, whom he raised, recalled the horrific scene of his uncle’s death, describing how seeing Myaka’s brain splattered on the floor left him physically numb and caused pre-stroke symptoms.

The incident also deeply affected the congregation of Cedar Family Church, Myaka’s church. Pastor Mxolisi Shange said many members, especially children and young people, struggled to comprehend the tragedy, and some have not returned to church since the day of the murder.

“The church is meant to be a place of safety, refuge, and worship. The violent nature of this incident shook the spiritual foundation of our congregation,” he said. 

nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za

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