Sfiso Qwabe, a suspect in the murder of the husband of a National Freedom Party (NFP) councillor, has been found guilty of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court handed down the verdict this week, acquitting Qwabe of attempted murder of police officers.

Qwabe is yet to stand trial for the murder of Bongani Zulu, the husband of Nongoma NFP councillor Senzeni Zulu, in Newcastle later this year. The murder is believed to have been intended for the councillor.

Magistrate Mohamed Motala sentenced Qwabe to 15 years’ imprisonment for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence.

The charges stem from an incident in May 2022, where Qwabe was allegedly part of a funeral procession of about 100 people. According to evidence presented by Prosecutor Kaystree Ramsamujh, a confrontation occurred between the police and the group, with Qwabe, identifiable by his distinctive one eye.

Qwabe was accused of firing shots in the air and evading arrest when police called for backup. Warrant Officer Ngcebo Ngcobo testified that Qwabe later shot at a police van. There were no damages or injuries.

Qwabe had previously faced a murder charge for the killing of Sanele Ngubane in a KwaMashu tavern in February 2021. The firearm and ammunition charges were linked to this case. However, the State was unable to prosecute due to the disappearance of a key witness, and Qwabe was granted bail.

While out on bail, Qwabe allegedly murdered Zulu in September of last year. He and other men allegedly entered Zulu’s home, demanding to know the councillor’s whereabouts. When Zulu informed them she was not home, he was shot and killed.

Magistrate Motala acquitted Qwabe of the attempted murder of the officers, citing a lack of evidence of intent to kill. However, he emphasised the aggravating factors of the illegal firearm possession, including the quantity of ammunition and the fact that the firearm was stolen.

Qwabe, who has previous convictions, including a 2016 drug possession charge, showed no remorse during the trial. After sentencing, he indicated his intention to appeal both the conviction and sentence. The matter has been postponed to allow for the drafting and submission of the appeal grounds.