Man arrested after 34 years living on the run

On the 9th of November 2023, the Durban Regional Court handed down a verdict, convicting Wesley Matiri Madonsela (53) and imposing a direct imprisonment sentence of 10 years for the murder of a man called Siphelele Nxumalo.

The tragic incident unfolded on the 2nd of February 1989 when Siphelele Nxumalo, a dedicated United Democratic Front (UDF) activist, found himself on the receiving end of a fatal encounter.

The accuses man, accompanied by his associates, approached Nxumalo on the road, firing shots and immediately fled the scene. This act was a grim manifestation of the political conflict between UDF and Inkatha supporters, as revealed in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.

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Following the murder, a case was reported at the Cato Manor police station. Madonsela was arrested, granted bail, but then chose to abscond, reportedly fleeing the country.

A warrant of arrest was issued, and the case docket was filed. Despite being on the run, Madonsela never made an appearance before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

However, the wheels of justice caught up with him in July 2023. The Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation, based in Durban and tasked with handling TRC cases in the province, successfully traced and arrested Madonsela. Subsequently, he faced trial, leading to his conviction and sentencing by the Durban Regional Court.

In acknowledging the resolution of these intricate and long-standing matters, Lieutenant General (Dr/Adv) Godfrey Lebeya, the National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commended the unwavering dedication of the investigation and prosecution team. Their relentless efforts played a pivotal role in bringing closure to these complex cases.

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