Durban police have issued a warning about Nqubeko Bright Mchunu, a fugitive linked to an ongoing murder case.
Murder-accused Nqubeko Bright Mchunu wanted for flouting bail
An intensive manhunt is underway as the Middleburg police scour for clues to apprehend Mchunu, a 41-year-old man whose disappearance has raised alarms.
In a statement, police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli explained that Mchunu disappeared while on conditional release for a murder case concerning Mr Tsepo Maseko, a 33-year-old man who met a tragic end on 17 August 2022.
According to Col. Mdhluli, the murder transpired amidst a protest incident at the Steve Tshwete Municipality in Middleburg. It was during this protest that Maseko was shot and killed.
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Mchunu, who was serving as a security guard at the municipality offices at the time, quickly emerged as a suspect following the shooting.
Subsequent police investigations led to his arrest and his first appearance before the Middleburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 19 August 2022.
Following court deliberations, Mchunu was granted bail set at R10,000 in September 2022. Mchunu honoured his legal obligations until March 2023. However, post this date, Mchunu failed to appear in court.
The court subsequently issued a warrant for his arrest after he failed to turn up at the dock on 11 April 2023. Mchunu’s last-known address was traced to Mbongolweni in Eshowe, KZN.
The Durban police, desperate to zero in on a fugitive linked to an active murder case, have since turned to the public with a warning, urging the community to remain vigilant.
“Police therefore request anyone who might have information about Mchunu’s whereabouts to contact the Investigation Officer, Detective Sergeant Sizwe Malinga at 079 286 8550 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111,” Mdhluli said.