A 35-year-old security guard has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Durban Regional Court for the murder of a cyclist following an altercation outside a supermarket on Lancers Road in Durban.

Mkhululi Herbert Hlongwa was convicted of murder and sentenced on May 28, 2026, after an investigation by Durban Central SAPS detectives.

According to Durban Central SAPS communications officer, Sergeant Zanele Khomo, the incident occurred on January 4, 2024, when the victim arrived at a supermarket on Lancers Road and asked to park his bicycle at the back of the premises for safekeeping.

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His request was refused by security personnel.

“Hlongwa, who was on duty as an armed security guard at the time, instructed the deceased to remove his bicycle from the premises. An altercation followed, and the matter was reported to the store’s management,” said Khomo.

The victim later parked his bicycle elsewhere nearby. However, when he returned to collect it, Hlongwa, who had since gone off duty, allegedly followed him and fatally shot him in the head before fleeing the scene.

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A murder case was opened at Durban Central SAPS and assigned to Detective Sergeant Xolani Thwala.

Sgt Khomo said the suspect was traced and arrested in Cato Manor on January 31, 2025, with the assistance of Crime Intelligence. Police also recovered a firearm from his home in the Enkanini area of Mayville.

Ballistic testing confirmed that the firearm had been used in the murder. Hlongwa remained in custody after bail was successfully opposed until the conclusion of his trial, which resulted in his conviction and life sentence.