KZN ANC murder trial needs 'closure'

Durban – A group of ANC supporters has called for the trial of two men accused of orchestrating and participating in the killing two KwaZulu-Natal party members to reach its conclusion.

The High Court case has been on-going since the killings occurred in the ANC Oshabeni branch on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast in 2012.

Dumisani Malunga was shot dead as he travelled home on the evening of September 9 2012. Gabriel Chiliza, who was a passenger in Malunga's car, also died. Malunga had been nominated by the ANC as a ward councillor position in the area.

The court has heard how Samuel Cele, 34, and Alex Mbhele, 32, together with now-imprisoned State witness Sifiso Khumalo systematically planned Malunga's murder.

Khumalo, who was an ANC Youth League leader at the time, was convicted for his role in the crime after confessing to authorities in 2012. He has since assisted in his submission of evidence, with the State largely basing their case on his testimony.

Speaking to News24 on Monday during a break in proceedings, supporter Sifiso Cele said he felt the trial was progressing well, but hoped it would conclude sooner.

"This has been going on for four years now. The elders in the family need some closure and we are hoping that happens as soon as possible. Since this has all occurred, our area has quietened into stability.

"But we are here because we want justice for our people. These men standing trial have no care or regard for human life. They look like it is business as usual for them."

Nicolas Blose, a supporter close to the Cele family, said the matter needed to be resolved.

"I am happy with how the trial is going. It seems as if these men will be found guilty. We just want this to happen soon. We just want these men behind bars and want to move on with our lives. It is hard to do so when they are still on trial. It must end now."

Defence attorney Marian Pieterse had concluded her final submissions on Monday just before court adjourned for tea.