Murder plot trial: Principal and hitman charged in Durban officer's killing
The murder trial of Durban Metro police officer Captain Zwelakhe Thomas Ntombela is set to begin in early April for the two remaining accused: a school principal and a convicted hitman.
The two suspects, Sithembiso Justice Khumalo (the principal) and Khulani Cele, a convicted hitman currently serving a life sentence for an unrelated murder at Ebongweni Super Maximum Correctional Center, allegedly conspired to murder Captain Ntombela with his wife, Faith Nongcebo Ntombela.
Faith Ntombela, who pleaded guilty in 2024, admitted that she had an affair with Cele, who she met on Facebook. Together, they initially planned to poison Captain Ntombela, an officer attached to the VIP unit. However, Faith got cold feet, and the plan shifted to shooting him.
Faith confessed to providing Cele with crucial information, including details about her husband’s weapons and the area around their home. She filmed key areas, including where it would be easy to access the firearms. She also provided a Suzuki vehicle and a firearm, as requested by Cele, to execute the plan.
She said she gave the firearm and the vehicle to Khumalo, the primary school principal, for the use of the hired killer, Mandlenkosi ‘Mzo’ Ntombela.
Captain Ntombela was fatally shot by Mandlenkosi at his home in Umlazi S section in May 2023 while closing a gate.
Both Faith and Mandlenkosi have already pleaded guilty and been sentenced by the Durban High Court. Faith received a life sentence in 2024. Mandlenkosi, who pleaded guilty first in 2023 and implicated Faith, was sentenced to 20 years in jail. Following Mandlenkosi’s sentencing, the Hawks arrested Faith, Cele, and Khumalo.
Cele and Khumalo made a brief appearance at the Durban High Court earlier this week. State senior prosecutor Advocate Krishen Shah informed the court that the trial location had been moved from the Scottburgh High Court to the Durban High Court.
Judge Nompumelelo Radebe extended Khumalo’s bail and postponed the matter for the trial to begin on April 13.
nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za