Almost three years after he was accused of plotting to kill KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize, self-confessed hitman Sizwe Mkhize yesterday appeared with four others in a Durban court on a charge of conspiracy to commit murder.
But the name of the person they allegedly planned to murder was not mentioned in the Pinetown Magistrate's Court when SizweMkhize, 31, Themba Xama, 30, Jackson Chili, 30, Mlungisi Xulu, 24, and Sthembiso Mthembu, 26, appeared yesterday. A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Timesthat Zweli Mkhize was the target.
The five were arrested nine days ago in Hillcrest, near Durban, when crime intelligence officers found an illegal firearm and ammunition in their car. Though the Hawks refused to comment, insiders said crime intelligence had received information that the five were on their way to Zweli Mkhize's home.
In 2007, when Zweli Mkhize was the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for economic development, Sizwe Mkhize made headlines when he was said to have uncovered a plot to kill the politician.
Two members of the now defunct Scorpions were charged with defeating the ends of justice by offering Sizwe Mkhize R150000 to claim that President Jacob Zuma paid him to implicate a top ANC member in the murder plot. Sizwe Mkhize turned state witness.
In court yesterday, the five said they would represent themselves. The case was postponed to May 26.