The State is expected to call its first witnesses in the Pietermaritzburg High Court trial of three men accused of murdering former ANC Youth League secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa.
The murder trial of slain ANC politician Sindiso Magaqa is set to officially begin on Monday in the Pietermaritzburg High Court.
The trial will resume after the three accused appeared in court on Monday, where they entered pleas to the charges against them.
The accused are charged with conspiracy to commit murder, murder, and the attempted murder of Nontsikelelo Mafa and Jabulile Msiya.
All three pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Magaqa was shot in July 2017, a few kilometres from his Ibisi home in uMzimkhulu.
He later died at the Chief Albert Luthuli Hospital in Durban.
When the trial resumes, the State is expected to begin leading evidence to prove the involvement of the accused.
Prosecutor Advocate Elvis Gcweka outlined the State's case during the reading of the charges.
When he reached count 12, defeating the administration of justice, against accused 3, Zweliphansi Stanley Sikhosana, the former uMzimkhulu municipal manager, Gcweka told the court the State alleges Sikhosana paid money to prevent himself from being implicated.
According to the charge, Sikhosana, knowing that convicted hitman Sibusiso Ncengwa would implicate him and co-accused Mlungisi Ncalane in the killing, made arrangements and paid an amount to a family member of Ncengwa for the benefit of Ncengwa not implicating him in the murder of Magaqa.
Ncengwa has admitted to the July 2017 shooting.
Gcweka told the court that if convicted, the accused could face life imprisonment.
"It should be noted that because the offence was planned or premeditated and because it was committed by a person, group of persons or syndicate acting in execution or furtherance of common or conspiracy, the applicable minimum sentence is that of life imprisonment," Gcweka said.
The absence of ANC supporters at court on Monday was noted, with only family members that were in attendance.
The trial was adjourned until Monday, when the first State witnesses are expected to be called.