AFP
A 53-year-old man has been jailed for 10 years for a 1989 political murder for which he did seek amnesty from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The Hawks said Wesley Madonesela was sentenced in the Durban regional court on Thursday for the murder of United Democratic Front member, Siphelele Nxumalo, in Chesterville.
Spokesperson, Brigadier Thandi Mbambo, confirmed that this was the first conviction in a TRC-related investigation but said there were six other matters pending.
"These TRC cases are very complex and take a long time to be finalised because of their nature and how they happened when they happened.
"These investigations demand a lot, but their commitment and zeal ultimately paid off with this conviction that you saw yesterday when we got the sentencing," she said.
Nxumalo’s murder occurred at the height of the deadly conflict between the ANC and the Inkatha Freedom Party in Kwazulu Natal.
Mbambo said according to a TRC report, he was a UDF activist when he was shot and killed by members of the so-called Chesterville A-Team, during the political conflict between the UDF and the Inkatha Freedom Party.
A case of murder was opened by Cato Manor police and Madonsela was later arrested.
“He appeared in court and was granted bail. He then absconded and allegedly fled the country. A warrant of arrest was issued and the case docket was filed," Mbambo said.
He was subsequently arrested in July this year by members of the Hawks team assigned to deal with TRC cases in the province.
The head of the Hawks, Lieutenant-General, Godfrey Lebeya, commended the work of the investigation and prosecution team that has worked tirelessly on these complicated and long outstanding matters.
