Kwa-Thema – Standing in the dock, suspended Ward 79 councillor Zwelibanzi Ngwenya confirmed his not guilty plea to the charges he is facing of attempted murder and negligent discharging of a firearm.
Ngwenya is accused of shooting Mxolisi Dludlu in the eye, causing permanent damage.
The incident took place on December 24, 2019.
On the first day of the trial at the Springs Magistrate’s Court last Thursday, the key witness, who is in a police witness protection programme, shared the events leading to Ngwenya discharging his firearm.
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It is alleged that during the early hours of Christmas Eve, the victim had fought with the councillor’s brother, Mtimande Ngwenya, at a local tavern over a stolen phone.
Mtimande allegedly then went to call the councillor to intervene.
It is further alleged that upon arrival, the councillor approached Mxolisi and asked him why he attacked his brother and then shot him in the face with his licensed 9mm pistol.
The witness fled from the scene after witnessing his friend being shot.
“I ran for safety in the direction of Mxolisi’s family home to inform them about the incident and, together with the family, went back to the scene where we found Mxolisi lying in a pool of his own blood from his head,” he explained.
The victim’s grandmother, Selina Gule, who couldn’t stop sobbing, said all she wants is justice for her grandson.
“Mxolisi will never see again. He is now impatient and angry. What quality of life will he have moving forward?
“We are now forced to help him bathe and do other basic things that he previously did without help.
“The councillor never came to ask for forgiveness from the family or assisted us with his medical bills.
“We want him to serve a sentence for what he did,” she said.
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On Friday, the case was adjourned to July 15 after the defence team produced a statement from a witness that they wanted to use to cross-examine the key witness about, which the State and investigating officer were not aware of.
The councillor is out on extended bail.
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