User:Owami Mcetywa
Michael Zolani Mcetywa
[edit]Michael Zolani Mcetywa (/Mcetywa/; Xhosa /Zolani/; 5 January, 1956 - 22 November, 1993) a South African reformer/activist, was born on the 5th January, 1956 in Johannesburg. He left for eSwatini in the early 70's where he was to be trained as a MK Soldiers under the leadership of General Mabizela and Mkhwanazi. On his return from exile he settled in Pongola, Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, inaugurating his involvement in the ANC; within that region. In 1982 he started the first ANC Branch in Pongola, a predominatery IFP [Inkatha Freedom Party] Region. Amidst the legion of death threats received, Michael Mcetywa was not persuaded into abandoning his vision. Starting a local soccer club in 1985 pioneering to keep young boys off the streets. In addition, offering academic support and mentoring to local high school students. He was also actively involved in various community development and upliftment projects. One which was the facilitation of the installation of taps to offer running water for the residents of Ncotshane Township, Pongola. At a time where black locals where excluded from having access to proper water and sanitation systems.
| Born |
|
|---|---|
| Born | January 5 1956 |
| Died | November 22 1993 |
THE MURDER
[edit]He was assassinated by Nkosnathi Emmanuel ''Mafutha '' Mavuso on the morning of November 22nd, 1993. According to witness statement and court documents; Mavuso went to the Mcetywa residence that morning. Where he found Michael Mcetywa hanging the laundry with his wife, Harriet Jabulile Mcetywa. After convincing a reluctant Mcetywa to go to the nearest Ice-cream shop outside of the township, they went on their way. He was shot eleven times in the head and twice in the heart by Mavuso; just minutes after arriving at the Ice-cream store. It was later reported by onlookers, that after falling to the ground, Mcetywa's blood was smeared on a nearby wall as a sign of celebration by the conspirators; who had in fact arrived minutes before the incident. A braai was then started to celebrate, as his body lay there for hours, before anyone informed the police. Mavuso was sentenced to 25 years in prison, on one count of 'Conspiracy to commit murder' and 'Manslaughter in the Second Degree'. He plead guilty to all charges in exchange for naming his employer. He he turned state witness against his employers, but 3 days later recanted his statements implying that he had planned it alone. He once again recanted his second statement claiming his reason for recanting his first statement, was because he was being threatened. He was released on parole in 2009. The trial lasted a total of fourteen days.
AMNESTY APPLICATION
[edit]After applying for amnesty; on the basis that, he in fact had been hired as a hit-man and did not conspire to kill Michael Mcetywa. As he was no way connected to the victim prior to being asked to assassinate him. His 14 accomplices denied knowing him let alone ever meeting with him. Mavuso's father took to the podium as a witness for his son. He confirmed under oath that he knew the 14 as he had seen them visit his son at their family home months prior to the incident. On July 9, 1999 Mavuso was denied parole by the 'Truth and Reconciliation Commission' in Paulpietersburg (DUMBE), for the murder.
THE 14 IMPLICATED
[edit]10 of the 14 implicated are now deceased. In recent years the children of Michael and Harriet Mcetywa, decided to submit an application for the matter to be taken back to the court in order for the remaining perpetrators can pay for their crime. Sabie ''Rasta'' Mncwango, Maveggie Khumalo, Qhina Mkhwanazi and an individual informally known as Congo [currently incarcerated for an unrelated crime at Ncome Prison.] are the 4 remianing suspect named by Mavuso. Naming the 4 as the main instigators.
According to the state witness confession, Mkhwanazi was a member of the 'Zululand Police Force' at the time of the murder. Hence no one was informed of the murder at the station. He was recently demoted by the IFP as mayor of Mtubatuba.
Currently, Sabie Mcwango is a prominent business person who shot to fame within the ranks of Inkatha Freedom Party leadership in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Who, according to locals; still brags about his involvement. Khumalo is a prominent taxi owner in the town of Pongola, Kwa-Zulu Natal.