The Courtroom Drama
Who Is Sithembiso Judge Khumalo?
Sithembiso Judge Khumalo is a primary‑school principal from KwaMaphumulo. He is standing trial in the Durban High Court, accused of being part of a plot that led to the murder of Captain Zwelakhe Thomas Ntombela, a Durban Metropolitan Police officer.
The Alleged Murder Plot
Prosecutors say Khumalo teamed up with hitman Khulani Cele in May 2023 to have Captain Ntombela killed. According to the state, the captain was shot outside his home in Umlazi and later died in hospital.
The Shooter’s Confession
After the shooting, Mandlenkosi “Mzo” Ntombela was arrested as the gunman. Mzo pleaded guilty and told police that he was sent by three people: Faith Nongcebo Ntombela (the captain’s wife), Cele, and Khumalo. For his role, Mzo received a 20‑year prison sentence.
Faith Ntombela’s Guilty Plea
Faith Ntombela was denied bail by the uMlazi Magistrate’s Court. She later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Durban High Court. Her plea added pressure on Cele and Khumalo, who were already implicated.
Khumalo’s Claim of Police Cooperation
During his testimony, Khumalo said he began working with the Hawks (the elite crime‑fighting unit) after they questioned him about a red Suzuki that supposedly belonged to the slain captain. He claimed Faith gave him the vehicle for repairs and that he knew her as Cele’s wife.
Khumalo also said he called the investigating officer when his male aide told him that Mzo—who also worked for him—had arrived with firearms. Khumalo explained that he wanted to protect his aide, who had touched the guns, so he alerted the police.
The Neighborhood Connection
Khumalo described Cele as his neighbor in KwaMaphumulo. He said their communication was mostly about updating each other on family matters, not about any criminal plan.
The Note Controversy
While giving evidence, Khumalo frequently referred to notes he had written in the dock. Prosecutor Krishen Shah argued that if Khumalo used those notes to refresh his memory, the state should be allowed to see them as evidence.
Khumalo’s lawyer, Advocate Mduduzi Mvune, objected, saying no law forces a witness to hand over personal notes unless they contain extra information beyond what is being testified.
Judge Bruce Bedderson sided with the state, ruling that if Khumalo wants to use the notes to aid his testimony, they must be shared with the prosecution. The judge noted that Khumalo had taken notes throughout the trial.
Earlier Legal Moves
Before Khumalo took the stand, Judge Bedderson rejected his application under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act to drop the charges. The judge found that the state had presented a prima facie case, meaning Khumalo must answer the allegations.
What Happens Next?
Prosecutor Krishen Shah is set to begin cross‑examining Khumalo on Tuesday. The outcome of that questioning could shape the direction of the trial and determine whether the principal will be convicted or acquitted.
Conclusion
The case against Sithembiso Judge Khumalo is a tangled web of alleged conspiracy, guilty pleas from the shooter and the captain’s wife, and claims of police cooperation. As the court examines his testimony—especially the disputed notes—the truth about his involvement in Captain Ntombela’s murder will become clearer. For now, the trial continues, and the next steps will be crucial for everyone involved.
