THE killers of an Ehlanzeni district ANC leader stood to make large sums of money, the High Court sitting in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court heard yesterday.

Prior to the sentencing of ANC Chief Whip Johan Ndlovu's killers, the State argued his murder involved large sums of money, from unknown sources.

"I just want this court to know that the accused had a motive to kill Ndlovu," said prosecutor Charles Mnisi.

Bongani Mkasi, 30, and Mundi Khoza, 26, were found guilty of murder, armed robbery with aggravating circumstances and possession of an illegal firearm. Their accomplice Life Khoza, 24, is serving a sentence for Ndlovu's murder after pleading guilty.

"First they were hired and promised R30000 if they kill him. Khoza himself was promised a tender if Ndlovu died," Mnisi said.

"This court must bear in mind that the murder was premeditated and they [the killers] had a price tag on a priceless man's life."

The three shot Ndlovu repeatedly near his home in Edinburgh village in the Hluvukani area on January 5, 2011. They then put him in the boot of his car and dumped him on the side of a road.

Mkasi had a jail sentence for illegal possession of a firearm, while Khoza was previously found guilty of theft, Mnisi said. He said Khoza acted out of "greed".

The trial continues. - Sapa