Two of the four men accused of murdering Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu have pleaded guilty in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate's Court.
Ndlovu, who served as the DA's chief whip in the uMngeni Municipality, was shot and killed at his home in Mpophomeni in December 2023 in front of his wife and children.
The four accused were arrested by the South African Police Service's Political Killings Task Team following an investigation into the high-profile murder.
When proceedings resumed on Wednesday, State prosecutor Advocate Elvis Gcweka withdrew several charges against Khayalihle Shabalala and Thabo Mathonsi, including conspiracy to commit murder and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The withdrawal of those charges left the pair facing a single count of murder, to which both pleaded guilty.
In their plea statements, Shabalala and Mathonsi admitted that they killed Ndlovu in exchange for financial reward after receiving instructions to carry out the murder.
The court heard that traditional leader Simphiwe Zuma, one of the remaining accused, allegedly orchestrated and ordered the assassination.
The case has been postponed until next month for the finalisation of the plea proceedings, as well as possible conviction and sentencing of the two men.
The remaining accused continue to face proceedings in connection with Ndlovu's murder.