Murder suspect re-arrested
A murder suspect was re-arrested by the police on Friday after disappearing subsequent to his release on bail in March last year.
The police in Middelburg were out on a manhunt for Nqubeko Bright Mchunu (41) when he disappeared shortly after being released on bail for the murder of Mr Tshepo Maseko (33).
Mr Maseko was killed on August 17, 2022 .The murder took place during the protests at the Steve Tshwete Municipality, which lasted for about three months. Mr Maseko was shot and killed during the protest.
According to information, Mchunu was employed as a security guard at the time. It is alleged that the protesters started damaging properties, and that’s when the shooting incident occurred.
During that time, it was unknown who was responsible for the shooting, but the police conducted an intensive investigation, which led to the arrest of Mchunu as a suspect.
His first appearance at the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court was on August 19, 2022.
Bail of R10 000 was granted in September 2022. The proceedings continued in court until March 9, 2023, but thereafter, Mchunu never returned to court. The matter was postponed to April 11 2023, where a warrant for his arrest was issued.
After his disappearance, the police requested anyone who might have information about Mchunu’s whereabouts to contact the Investigation Officer, Sergeant Sizwe Malinga.
They received confidential information which led them to Soweto where Mchunu (now 43), was arrested on Friday.
He will appear in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (May 6).
• The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has commended members for re-arresting the suspect.
“We are thankful to all stakeholders, including members of the public, who assist with information, and not forgetting the media for continually playing a pivotal role in sharing valuable information with the public. Together we continue to move forward in the fight against crime,” said the General.
