Former Msinga mayor's cousin found guilty of attempted murder
Mabhungu Justice Dlamini, the cousin of former Msinga mayor Douglas Mletheni Ndlovu, has been found guilty by the Greytown Regional Court for attempting to kill Ndlovu.
The conviction stems from a bold shooting incident against Ndlovu on March 24, 2023, which the former mayor survived.
Ndlovu was travelling in a Toyota Hilux Legend 50 Double Cab with his bodyguard and cousin, Majubuliseni Mzila, when they encountered three men standing on the road.
As Mzila swerved the vehicle, the suspects opened fire. Mzila lost control of the car, which crashed into a tree in a bush.
Both Ndlovu and Mzila managed to flee into a nearby forest as the car caught fire. The two men hid in the bushes until the following morning before emerging to seek assistance.
According to prosecutors, Dlamini’s motive for attempting to kill his cousin, Ndlovu, stemmed from feelings of neglect following Ndlovu’s election as mayor.
Dlamini had actively campaigned for and supported Ndlovu, expecting a job or financial ‘care’ in return.
When Ndlovu did not fulfil this expectation, Dlamini became disgruntled and accused him of forgetting about him.
The Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) arrested Dlamini after finding him in possession of two licensed firearms — a rifle and a handgun. The rifle was in the process of being sold at a gun shop in Johannesburg at the time of the arrest.
Ballistic comparison proved that both of Dlamini’s firearms were the weapons used in the commission of the crime.
Dlamini, who had been out on bail, was immediately sent to jail after the court found him guilty of two attempted murders.
Approached for comment, Ndlovu stated that Dlamini was not his cousin but a distant relative.
“The court found him guilty, but he was not alone in this. I still do not feel safe,” Ndlovu said.
He said it would have been better if Dlamini had been ordered to pay back his car, as he no longer has a car.
“His incarceration would not assist me in anything,” he stated.
Ndlovu expressed concern for his safety, stating that he does not feel secure because Dlamini’s other accomplices remain at large, meaning he is vulnerable to potential harm.
Dlamini is set to be sentenced next week.
nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za