Staff Reporter
The hitmen who killed an African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) councillor who was also a pastor, during a church service in KwaZulu-Natal, were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Ngwelezane Regional Court on Wednesday.
Phakamani Eugene Khumalo, 33, and Sandile Mthokozisi Mabuyakhulu, 33, were each sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 10 years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm and 18 months’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition. They were also declared unfit to possess a firearm, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said.
The case relates to the June 2023 killing of Pastor John Funa Myaka in the Nseleni area. Myaka, a ward councillor and ACDP member, was shot dead inside his church during an evening service while congregants looked on. The gunman fled the scene on foot.
According to the state’s case, Myaka had bought a property for R70,000 from a woman identified as Nonhlanhla. Evidence showed the property did not belong solely to her. When it was time for Myaka to take occupation, Nonhlanhla hired hitmen to kill him for R20,000, half of which was paid to the accused as a deposit before the murder.
Prosecutor Elvis Gcweka led the testimony of several witnesses and presented cellphone records showing conversations between Nonhlanhla and the two men, as well as data placing them at the scene at the time of the killing. Police later established that Nonhlanhla had died before she could be prosecuted.
The state submitted Victim Impact Statements compiled by Myaka’s family and congregants.
They described him as charitable and kind, and as the main provider and “foundation” of his home. Congregants told the court they were now fearful of attending the church after the brutal killing in what they regarded as a place of safety and refuge.
“The NPA’s collaboration with other stakeholders yields positive results as indicated in the successful finalisation of this case. We hope that the sentences metered out are reflective of our stance that crime will not be tolerated,” the NPA said.
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