The Ladysmith Regional Court has sentenced 39-year-old Nkanyiso Mchunu to 12 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of off-duty police officer, Sergeant Mondlo Nhlabathi.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo, spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks), Sergeant Nhlabathi was fatally shot at a tuckshop on 12 April 2025.
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The officer had reportedly gone to the establishment to buy meat for a braai when he became involved in a heated argument with a woman.
Mhlongo said Mchunu intervened, but the situation escalated into a physical confrontation between him and Sergeant Nhlabathi.
During the fight, Mchunu drew a firearm and fired multiple shots, fatally wounding the officer.
“A case of murder was reported at the Ezakheni Police Station, and Hawks members from Newcastle Serious Organised Crime Investigation attended the crime scene. Mchunu was identified as a suspect and he was sought,” Mhlongo stated.
As the search continued, Mchunu handed himself over to authorities in the presence of his attorney two days after the shooting.
He subsequently appeared in court, where the State successfully opposed his application for bail. Mchunu remained in custody while the matter proceeded through the courts.
On 20 July 2026, Mchunu pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 12 years’ direct imprisonment.
KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks, Brigadier Zenobia Mulligan, welcomed the sentence and commended the investigating team for its work in securing the conviction.
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What are your thoughts on all of this? Let us know below.
The Judiciary is under siege is a serious offence, which prompts for a minimum 15 year sentence, a 12 year sentence not matter is a deviation from law.
12yrs only, for taking a life. 12yrs only for taking the life, of a father to his children, a Husband to his wife, a son to his parents! A brother to his Siblings. Where is the Justice?
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2 Responses
The Judiciary is under siege is a serious offence, which prompts for a minimum 15 year sentence, a 12 year sentence not matter is a deviation from law.
12yrs only, for taking a life. 12yrs only for taking the life, of a father to his children, a Husband to his wife, a son to his parents! A brother to his Siblings. Where is the Justice?