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The state presented fresh evidence linking Inkosi Simphiwe Zuma’s business dealings to the family of a key co-accused, as his third bid for bail unfolded in the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court on Thursday.

Zuma is applying for bail in connection with the 2022 murder of whistleblower Xolani Ndlovu-Ntombela, who was gunned down in Emasosheni near Mpophomeni, Howick.

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The killing is one of three murder cases Zuma faces, all allegedly linked to disputes over illegal land sales in the uMngeni and Impendle areas.

During proceedings, state prosecutor advocate Elvis Gcweka told the court that Zuma had claimed in his affidavit that he sold one of his two taxis.

However, investigations by Sergeant Delani Chemane revealed that the vehicle is now registered in the name of the younger brother of Zuma’s co-accused, Deon Mathonsi.

Gcweka argued that the discrepancy undermines Zuma’s credibility and forms part of a pattern of dishonesty in his bail application.

“Again in this bail application, he is not being honest and expects the court to accept his version without providing any supporting evidence,” Gcweka said.

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Zuma, through his counsel advocate Wesley Mathews, denied knowledge of the transaction, maintaining he was unaware of the details of the sale of the taxi.

Mathonsi, Zuma’s co-accused in all three matters, is already serving two 20-year prison sentences after pleading guilty to the murders of Ndlovu-Ntombela and Induna Qalokunye Zuma earlier this year.

He is also expected to plead guilty to the murder of DA councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu, who was shot dead at his Emasosheni home in November 2023 — a third case in which Zuma is implicated in.

Gcweka told the court Zuma has been in custody since July last year and has failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances warranting his release.

He also noted that Zuma’s pending appeal against the refusal of bail in the Ndlovu by the Howick Magistrate’s Court had shown no progress.

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The state also told the court that Zuma was found with a cellphone in custody at Westville Prison and had communicated with co-accused who wanted him to pay their legal fees.

The state also claimed he financed a fugitive co-accused, Induna Derric Buthelezi, while he was on the run, including fleeing to Mozambique.

Buthelezi is now the state’s Section 204 witness.

Zuma maintains his innocence, describing the state’s case as weak and reliant on a single witness.

The state said cellphone records, ballistic evidence and a Section 204 witness all link Zuma to the crimes, arguing that the defence can’t say the state has a weak case.

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Judgment in the bail application is expected on July 14.