Lusikisiki mass killings trial set for February 2024
27 November 2024
The trial of seven men charged with the murder of 18 people in Lusikisiki is set to be heard in the Lusikisiki Regional Court for two weeks, resuming on 17 February to 28 February 2025. Mzukisi Ndamase (46), Siphosoxolo Myekethe (45), Aphiwe "AP" Ndende (25), Lwando Antony Abi (33), Bonga Hintsa (31), Zenande Paya (38) and Mawethu Nomdlembu (36), face 19 counts of murder and possession of unlicenced firearms and ammunition. The 19th murder count is in respect to a separate KwaBhaca case, that has since been linked to the accused.
Today, the prosecution furnished the defence attorneys for six accused with docket contents, and transferring the matter from the district to regional court. Ndamase, who elected to conduct his own defence, will return to court on 12 December 2024, to indicate if he has gone through the docket contents and will be ready with his defence on the set trial date.
Ndamase, who is alleged to have orchestrated the massacre, was apprehended from inside a Correctional Services facility, where he is currently serving a life sentence plus 15 years sentence for murder and robbery. Paya and Nomdlembu were arrested in Flagstaff on 17 October 2024, in possession of the four rifles and ammunition that were allegedly moved to other locations after the Lusikisiki killings on 28 September 2024, in Ngobozana village. Two of the men, Ndende and Hintsa, were arrested in Port Shepstone, while Abi was apprehended in East London, on Wednesday 16 October 2024. Myekethe was arrested on 07 October 2024, at his home in Mthimde Location, Mamfengwini Area in the district of Lusikisiki.
Their arrests came after the shooting that occurred on 28 September 2024, at two neighbouring homesteads in Ngobozana Village, near the town of Lusikisiki, where eighteen people were killed, and five others were injured. All accused in this case abandoned bail. The state is ready to proceed with the trial as investigations have been finalised.
Issued by Luxolo Tyali, NPA Regional Spokesperson, Eastern Cape Division, 27 November 2024
