Grief and disbelief have gripped the Msinga community in KZN following the murder of Fire Department Superintendent Khalesakhe Mchunu, who was gunned down on Monday afternoon just a kilometre from his home.

According to The Witness, the 46-year-old, who had served the Msinga Fire Department for 15 years, was ambushed and shot multiple times while driving home from work through the Fabeni area.

According to his family, Mchunu was shot after slowing down to drive over speed humps.

His brother, Njabulo, told The Witness yesterday that the family is struggling to accept the devastating news.

“My brother was not a violent person. He was gentle, loving and committed to his work and family. We still don’t understand why anyone would do this to him. When we got the call that he had been shot, none of us believed it. We never imagined he would be taken from us in such a cruel way.”

Describing Mchunu as the pillar of their family, Njabulo said the loss has left a gaping void.

“We’ve been robbed of a brother, a father, a husband and a mediator in our family. He was someone we all trusted. He loved his entire family and believed in each of us. It’s a loss we may never fully recover from,” he added.

He said the family was now placing their hope in the police to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“He never said anything about receiving threats or gave any indication that his life might be in danger. Knowing the kind of person he is, it’s hard to understand why he was killed in such a way. We are relying on the police to bring justice.”

KZN police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza confirmed that Msinga SAPS were investigating a case of murder.

“Initial reports indicate that the victim was ambushed by unknown suspects and sustained multiple gunshot wounds,” said Magwaza.

The motive for the killing remains unknown.

Msinga Mayor Felinkosi Sikhakhane said the municipality was devastated by the loss of one of its most dedicated employees.

“We are all in shock. Mchunu was not just an employee but played a crucial role in our emergency services team — a man who served this community with honour and humility. It is deeply disturbing that his life was taken in such a senseless and violent manner. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues,” said Sikhakhane.

Mchunu’s murder is one of several cases reported in the province in the past 30 days.

On June 27, 32-year-old Nokulunga Mashabane was found with a gunshot wound in KwaDukuza.

Just days later, on July 3, an official from eThekwini Metro was tragically killed, and others injured, when unknown gunmen opened fire on their vehicle.

KZN MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Thulasizwe Buthelezi raised concerns over the escalating number of attacks and murders targeting municipal workers in the province. Buthelezi said these alarming incidents painted a disturbing picture and demanded immediate attention from law enforcement agencies.

“I am deeply concerned by these developments, which unfortunately suggest a worrying trend that must be nipped in the bud. These attacks on public servants who are dedicated to serving our communities are unacceptable and undermine the very fabric of local governance.”

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