Three men accused of murdering ANC councillor Sindiso Magaqa have pleaded not guilty to all charges as their trial continues in the Pietermaritzburg High Court.
Businessman Mbulelo Mpofana, former police officer Sibonelo Myeza and former uMzimkhulu municipal manager Zweliphansi Stanley Sikhosana appeared in court on Monday.
The trio are accused of killing Magaqa and injuring his colleagues in a shooting in July 2017.
Magaqa was shot a few kilometres from his home in Ibisi, uMzimkhulu. He later died at the Chief Albert Luthuli Hospital in Durban in September 2017.
During Monday's proceedings, the State read out 12 charges against the accused, including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, attempted murder, and the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
State prosecutor Advocate Elvis Gcweka told the court that the accused could face life imprisonment if convicted.
He said the minimum sentence applicable was life imprisonment, given that the murder was allegedly premeditated and committed by a group acting in furtherance of a common purpose or conspiracy.
The three accused were then asked to enter their pleas, with all denying the charges against them.
The State will now present evidence to establish their alleged involvement in the murder.
The matter was postponed until next Monday to allow for the finalisation of outstanding documentation, including the wording of a statement by witness 204, who is a former accused in the case.
Witnesses are expected to begin testifying when the trial resumes.