Middelburg court jails security guard for shooting municipal workers
According to Middelburg Observer, Mchunu was employed as a security guard by PPP Protection and Security, a company hired to protect municipal infrastructure during a spate of strikes that, at times, turned violent, with the assault of contractors and damage to vehicles.
He was convicted of one count of murder for the shooting death of Tshepo Maseko and three counts of attempted murder in respect of Sarel Vilakazi, Harris Sithole and Sibusiso Thabang.
Acting Judge GB Herman, in sentencing, said Mchunu had shown no remorse during the trial, insisting he only shot the victims to protect himself. He added that the lives of the victims would never be the same again and that those who lost a loved one would remain with only memories.
Mchunu was sentenced to 25 years for murder.
He received 14 years for three counts of attempted murder (seven years on each count).
The sentences will run concurrently.
He 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 said that although they were disappointed by the number of years Mchunu received, they were grateful he had been punished for his acts.
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