MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR THE MURDER OF A GERMAN TOURIST

25 SEPTEMBER 2025

MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR THE MURDER OF A GERMAN TOURIST

Mbombela, Mpumalanga – The High Court of South Africa sitting in Mbombela has today sentenced Joseph Napoleon Nyalunga (38) to 25 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of German tourist Jorg Schnarr (67). Nyalunga was further convicted of attempted robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. His two co-accused, Marshall Cebo Mamba and Bongumusa Matsane, were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.

The court heard that on 3 October 2022, Schnarr and three companions were travelling in a minibus along the Numbi Road towards Mdluli Safari Lodge near the Kruger National Park. A VW Golf suddenly pulled up and blocked their way. The perpetrators exited the vehicle and opened fire on the tourists’ minibus. Schnarr, who was driving, was struck by a bullet and succumbed to his injuries on the scene. A swift police investigation led to Nyalunga’s arrest.

During the trial, the State presented compelling evidence, including eyewitness testimony, police evidence, and confession statements. This was further corroborated during an inspection in loco, where a state witness demonstrated how the victim’s vehicle was ambushed and how the accused fled after the shooting. In aggravation of sentence, the State argued that Nyalunga had brutally killed a defenceless foreign national who had travelled to South Africa with his family to enjoy the country’s natural beauty. The prosecutor urged the court to impose a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.

After considering all evidence, the court sentenced Nyalunga to 25 years for murder,10 years for attempted robbery,7 years for possession of a firearm and 2 years for possession of ammunition. The court ordered that some of the sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 25 years’ direct imprisonment.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the conviction and sentence, acknowledging the tireless efforts of the criminal justice cluster in combating violent crime. The NPA emphasises that the value of human life can never be overstated and reaffirms its commitment to pursuing such cases vigorously to serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders. Ends

Issued by:

Monica Nyuswa

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Mpumalanga Division

076 485 5446