Deputy Sheriff Vusi Charles Mncina, accused of murdering four women and attempting to kill a fifth in Ezulwini in 2023, is facing charges that could see him sentenced to death if convicted, the Crown has revealed.
Principal Crown Counsel Sandile Mdluli disclosed this in court papers opposing Mncina’s fresh bail application, which he lodged claiming new facts justify his release pending trial.
“It must be emphasised that the charges he faces are extremely serious and carry the possibility of capital punishment,” Mdluli said. “Given the severity of the potential sentence, there exists a real and substantial risk that the applicant, if released on bail, may flee the jurisdiction of this honourable court.”
Mncina faces four counts of murder and one of attempted murder, stemming from an incident near Goje Township, Ezulwini, in October 2023. The State alleges he unlawfully and intentionally shot the victims, killing four women and leaving another critically injured.
Previous Bail Denial
Mncina previously applied for bail under case number 120/2024, but Judge Sabelo Masuku denied the request, ruling that releasing him would not serve the interests of justice.
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In the latest application, the Crown argued that Mncina presented no genuine new facts as required under Section 136 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act.
Mdluli stressed that a belief in a lack of evidence is not a new fact, and reliance on previously considered witness statements does not meet the legal threshold.
Evidence Against Mncina
The prosecution says it has a strong case supported by credible witness statements and a confession allegedly made before a judicial officer, in which Mncina directly implicated himself in the killings.
Mncina claims the case has stalled due to the Crown’s failure to facilitate his lawyer’s attendance and a lack of progress in enrolling the matter. He also cited worsening health, poor prison conditions, and financial hardship as further new facts.
Trial Delays and Health Claims
However, Mdluli countered that the trial was scheduled for 27–28 May but was postponed at the defence’s request. The Crown maintains the case is active before Justice Titus Mlangeni, and proceedings will resume once the defence confirms counsel availability.
The Crown also dismissed Mncina’s health concerns, stating he provided no medical proof.
“There is nothing exceptional about the applicant’s alleged ailment… Furthermore, the inability to support one’s dependants is not an exceptional circumstance,” Mdluli argued.
Risk of Flight
Mdluli warned that the gravity of the charges and the possibility of a death sentence significantly increase the risk that Mncina might abscond if released.
“The seriousness of the offence, the likelihood of interference with witnesses, the risk of flight, and the interests of justice continue to weigh heavily against the release of the applicant on bail,” he stated.
The matter returns to court tomorrow.
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