Law catches up with KwaZulu-Natal man

Friday, November 10, 2023

The long arm of the law finally caught up with Gugulethu Wesley Madonsela, who has been on the run for 34-years.

The Durban Regional Court on Thursday convicted and sentenced the 53-year-old to 10 years direct imprisonment for the murder of Siphelele Nxumalo, said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks).

Nxumalo was approached by Madonsela and his accomplices who fired at him on a road on 2 February 1989.

“They fired shots towards him and fled the scene. According to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report, Nxumalo was a United Democratic Front (UDF) activist when he was shot and killed by members of Chesterville A-Team during political conflict between the UDF and Inkatha supporters,” said the Hawks on Friday.

Nxumalo died of multiple gunshot wounds.

A case of murder was reported at the Cato Manor police station 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.

“Madonsela was on the run since then and he never appeared in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).  In July 2023, he was traced and arrested by the Hawk’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Durban that is assigned to deal with TRC cases in the province, then ultimately convicted and sentenced.”

The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Advocate Godfrey Lebeya, has commended the work of the investigation and prosecution team that worked tirelessly on ensuring that Madonsela is arrested and prosecuted. –SAnews.gov.za