Africa-Press – Eswatini. Businessman Sipho Shongwe has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for orchestrating the 2018 assassination of football administrator and entrepreneur, Victor Gamedze.
The sentence, delivered on July 31, 2025, is backdated to the date of his arrest, January 19, 2018, meaning he has already served over seven years.
A Tragic Crime That Shocked the Nation
The events that led to the sentencing began on January 14, 2018, when Victor Gamedze was shot and killed at a fuel station in Ezulwini. The killing sent shockwaves throughout the nation, with many mourning the loss of a man who had significantly contributed to the growth of local football and entrepreneurship.
Following an intensive investigation, authorities arrested Shongwe just five days later at the Ngwenya Border Post as he attempted to leave the country. What followed was one of the most high-profile trials in Eswatini’s history.
Justice Through Due Process
The trial process spanned several years, involving multiple witnesses, forensic evidence, and cross-border testimonies. South African nationals Simphiwe “Tata” Ngubane and Mbuso “Ncaza” Nkosi, both involved in the execution, testified that they had been hired by Shongwe to carry out the assassination.
Shongwe’s conviction in October 2023 was the result of a thorough and transparent judicial process. Throughout the trial, his legal rights were respected, and the court gave due attention to all evidence presented. The sentence handed down reflects the seriousness of the crime, yet it also reflects a balanced consideration by the judiciary, given that it does not impose life or capital punishment.
A Message of Accountability and Closure
The successful conclusion of this complex case offers a clear message: justice in Eswatini is impartial and persistent, even when the accused is a prominent figure. More importantly, it offers long-awaited closure to the family of the late Victor Gamedze and to the broader Eswatini public, which has followed the case closely.
As the nation moves forward, the outcome of this case serves as a positive reinforcement of public confidence in the country’s legal and investigative institutions.
Honouring a Legacy
While the sentencing marks the legal closure of this chapter, the legacy of Victor Gamedze lives on. His contributions to football development and business innovation remain an inspiration to many, particularly young people aspiring to lead in their communities.
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