A large crowd gathered outside the Rustenburg Magistrate's Court on Monday morning ahead of the judgment in the case of the former mayor Matthew Wolmarans.
Wolmarans and his co-accused Enoch Mtshaba are appearing on a charge of killing councillor Moss Phakoe.
Phakoe was shot dead at his Rustenburg home in March 2009, two days after he had handed a document to former co-operative governance minister Sicelo Shiceka alleging corruption in the local municipality.
Wolmarans and Mtshaba were arrested last year together with businessman Oupa Mphomane and councillor Amos Mataboge. Charges against the Mphomane and Mataboge were dismissed earlier this year.
Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi and ANC Youth League deputy president Ronald Lamola were expected to attend Monday's proceedings.
Two groups, one supporting Phakoe's family and the other Wolmarans, were outside court, while a large contingent of public order police looked on.
Nelson Mandela and Klopper streets were closed to traffic. – Sapa