Nqubeko Brian Mchunu (43) was sentenced by the Middelburg High Court today for the 2022 shooting of municipal workers at the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.

Mchunu was employed as a security guard by PPP Protection and Security, a company that was hired to protect the municipal infrastructure during a spate of strikes that, at times, turned violent with the assault of contractors and damage to their vehicles.

He was charged with one count of murder for the shooting death of Tshepo Maseko. He was also charged with three counts of attempted murder in respect of Sarel Vilakazi, Harris Sithole, and Sibusiso Thabang.

Acting Judge GB Herman, in his sentencing, stated that Mchunu did not show any remorse in his trial, as he insisted that he only shot the victims in an attempt to protect himself. He added that because of what happened, the lives of the victims will never be the same again, and those who lost a loved one will remain with only memories.

• Mchunu was then sentenced to 25 years on the count of murder.

• He received a 14-year sentence on all three counts of attempted murder (seven years on each count).

• The sentences will run concurrently.

• The accused will serve 25 years’ imprisonment.

The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

Members of the South African Municipal Workers Union and the victims expressed that although they were disappointed by the number of years Mchunu received, they are grateful that Mchunu was punished for his acts.

• Read the full account of what transpired during the sentencing in next week’s Middelburg Observer.