MEN GET LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR KILLING PASTOR
11 DECEMBER 2025
MEN GET LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR KILLING PASTOR
The Ngwelezane Regional Court has sentenced two men: Phakamani Eugene Khumalo (33) and Sandile Mthokozisi Mabuyakhulu (33) to life and 11 years and 6 months imprisonment for the murder of a pastor in June 2023 in the Enseleni area. The deceased, John Funa Myaka, was a pastor, a member of African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), and a ward councillor at the time of his death.
Prior to his death, Myaka had bought property from a person called Nonhlanhla. The property was sold at R70 000, and when it was time for Myaka to take occupation of the property, Nonhlanhla organised hitmen to kill him. This was because the property did not solely belong to Nonhlanhla, instead it was a family property. Khumalo and Mabuyakhulu ( the men) were recruited to kill Myaka for an amount of R20 000. Half of this was paid as a deposit before the execution of the job.
On the evening of the offence, Myaka was at his church with other congregants when he was shot and killed. The shooter fled on foot. Police followed up on leads which resulted in the arrest of the men The police also followed up on the whereabouts of Nonhlanhla and discovered that she had died.
In court, Prosecutor Elvis Gcweka led the evidence of several witnesses as well as cell phone records showing the conversations between Nonhlanhla and the men. The cellphone records further placed the accused at the scene. Evidence also indicate that the property sold to Myaka had not belonged to Nonhlanhla alone. To bolster the state’s case, the state handed in Victim Impact Statements (VIS) facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Ntombi Chonco and compiled by Myaka’s family members and congregants. The statements all spoke of Myaka as a charitable and kind person. His family members described him as their provider and the foundation of their home. The court also heard that the congregants are now fearful to attend the church, saying that such a brutal incident occurred in a place of safety and refuge.
The men were sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 10 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of firearm, and 18 months imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition. They were declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The NPA’s collaboration with other stakeholders yields positive results as indicated in the successful finalisation of this case. We hope that the sentences metered out are reflective of our stance that crime will not be tolerated.
Issued by:
Natasha Ramkisson-Kara
NPA Regional Spokesperson
KZN Division
071 6700 229