Middelburg – The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court with a local seat in Middelburg has sentenced Nqubeko Bright Mchunu to 46 years for murdering one employee while injuring another three at the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.
Mchunu (43) fired live ammunition which claimed the life of Tshepo Maseko (33) while injuring Harris Sithole (36), Bongani Thabang (38) and Oupa Vilakazi (38) during a strike about three years ago.
The workers were demanding clear paygrade guidelines and increased wages.
In the sentence delivered on 11 July 2025, Mchuni will serve 25 years for Maseko and an additional seven years for each of the three surviving victims. The sentence will run concurrently.
Mchunu initially appeared on Monday, 07 July, for closing arguments, where state prosecutor Gertrude Nkosi submitted testimonies from Maseko’s family and the surviving victims. These testimonies were meant to help the court to finalise the sentencing.
The courtroom was filled to capacity with employees who had come to show solidarity and wearing union regalia representing the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU).
Maseko’s 8-year-old Bohlali wrote a letter to the court, saying: “I am very heartbroken because my father can no longer come to school and witness me play with other children, bearing sweets for me.”
Maseko’s mother, Dipuo Mothibedi said: “As a family, we continue to grapple with the reality of his absence. We cannot find solace in the manner of his untimely death; it was not meant to conclude in such a way. His daughter still harbors questions to which, even now, we lack answers.”
Mothibedi added that the family’s financial circumstances have deteriorated since his passing. “He has left an immense void that we are struggling to fill,” she said, adding that the family remains far from healing, however the only hope that can bring them solace is the belief that Tshepo’s murderer will languish in prison and that justice will be served. “We place our faith in God, trusting that our fervent wishes will ultimately come to fruition.”
One of the surviving victims, Sithole, sustained a gunshot wound on the left side of his body. Following a spinal surgery, a metal rod was implanted to provide support to his body and ribs.
Sithole, who walks with the assistance of crutches, described his psychological state as far from stable, adding that the medical professionals have advised him to pursue counseling.
“Since the traumatic incident, I cannot sleep without the aid of sleeping tablets; this deprivation of rest has adversely affected my behaviour. I struggle to envision a future where I can work again or secure employment elsewhere, as the scars I bear are indelible and have rendered me incapable of fulfilling my professional duties,” he said.
Mchunu was arrested on 18 August 2022 and first appeared at the Middleburg Magistrate’s Court the following day.
He was granted R10 000 bail in September 2022. The proceedings continued in court until 9 March 2023, but thereafter, he never returned to court. On Monday it emerged from Mchubu’s lawyer that he faced threats during court appearances.
He disappeared, sought traditional healing for health issues, and needs mental intervention,” Mchunu’s attorney told the court.
The proceedings were subsequently deferred to 11 April 2023, at which point a warrant was issued. He was subsequently re-arrested on 3 May 2024 in Soweto, Gauteng province, and made his return to court on 6 May 2024.
Mchunu’s lawyer asked for leniency, highlighting him as a first-time offender raised without a father. “He is a family man supporting a daughter and twin sons, and his job as a security guard requires firearm possession,” he said.
The State reminded the court that Mchunu fired five shots during the protest, showing excessive rage unsuitable for a security professional. Prosecutor Nkosi concluded by reminding the court about the impact on victims’ families and the financial strain on the municipality.
Vilakazi, another surviving victim, said he finds himself incapacitated, grappling with a lot of anger directed towards his family, including wife and child. “I am struggling with addiction to alcohol. My parents are deeply concerned about my well-being. I have since started taking medication for ulcers,” Vilakazi said. “I am haunted by nightmares, particularly of this man who shot me. He instills fear, as I am terrified he may return to harm me.”
