Durban, South Africa – After evading arrest for 34 years, Gugulethu Wesley Madonsela was convicted and sentenced to 10 years of direct imprisonment by the Durban Regional Court for the murder of Siphelele Nxumalo.
According South African Government News Agency, Madonsela, now 53, was involved in the shooting of Nxumalo on February 2, 1989. The incident occurred when Madonsela and his accomplices approached Nxumalo on a road and fired shots at him, leading to Nxumalo's death from multiple gunshot wounds.
The Hawks revealed that at the time of the murder, Nxumalo was an activist with the United Democratic Front (UDF). He was killed amid political conflict between UDF and Inkatha supporters, as noted in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.
Following the murder, a case was filed at the Cato Manor police station, leading to Madonsela's arrest. He initially appeared in court and was granted bail, but subsequently absconded and is believed to have fled the country. A warrant for his arrest was issued, and the case docket was filed away.
In July 2023, the Hawk's Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, which handles Truth and Reconciliation Commission cases in KwaZulu-Natal, successfully traced and arrested Madonsela. This led to his recent conviction and sentencing.
Lieutenant General Advocate Godfrey Lebeya, the National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, lauded the investigation and prosecution team for their relentless efforts in ensuring Madonsela's arrest and prosecution.