FORMER SECURITY OFFICER SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS' DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER

14 July 2025

FORMER SECURITY OFFICER SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS' DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER

Middelburg, Mpumalanga – The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court sitting in Middelburg has convicted and sentenced former security officer, Nqubeko Brian Mchunu (43), to 25 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of Tshepo Maseko (33), an employee of the Steve Tshwete Municipality. The accused was also convicted on three counts of attempted murder.

The incident occurred on 17 August 2022 during a strike by municipal workers at the entrance of the Steve Tshwete Municipality. An altercation broke out between the striking workers and security personnel, who were armed with handguns, shotguns, and rifles. The accused fatally shot Maseko and fired additional shots as workers fled, injuring three others. A police investigation led to the arrest of Mchunu.

In court, Mchunu pleaded not guilty, claiming he acted in self-defence. However, State Advocate Getrude Nkosi presented compelling evidence, including eyewitness testimony and a ballistic report confirming that the cartridges recovered from the scene matched the firearm issued to the accused. A post-mortem report concluded that the cause of death was consistent with trauma to the left eye and brain injury.

During sentencing, Advocate Nkosi emphasised the lack of remorse shown by the accused and described the crime as “cruel, gruesome, senseless, and inhumane.” She also presented Victim Impact Statements from the surviving victims and the deceased’s family, facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Given Mampye, which detailed the ongoing emotional, physical, financial, and psychological trauma suffered by the victims.

In determining the sentence, the court considered the accused’s circumstances and the nature of the offence. Although the crime warranted a life sentence under prescribed minimum sentencing legislation, the court opted for a deviation. The sentence is as follows: 25 years' imprisonment for murder and 7 years' imprisonment for each of the three attempted murder counts.

The court ordered that the sentences for attempted murder run concurrently with the murder sentence. As a result, Mchunu will serve an effective 25 years in prison. He has also been declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes this sentence, which reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for victims and promoting public safety. This outcome also demonstrates the dedication of law enforcement and prosecution teams in holding perpetrators of violent crime accountable.

Issued by:

Monica Nyuswa
NPA Regional Spokesperson
DPP Mpumalanga
mnyuswa@npa.gov.za
013 045 0625 / 076 485 5446