Seventh Lusikisiki mass killings accused joined

31 October 2024

The man alleged to have orchestrated the murder of 18 people in Lusikisiki, Mzukisi Ndamase (46) has been joined by other men already charged with the massacre. Ndamase is currently serving a life sentence for murder and robbery. He has been apprehended from a Correctional Services facility.

During his appearance today, Ndamase elected to conduct his defence, against the court's persuasions, and decided not to apply for bail. He joins Siphosoxolo Myekethe (45), Aphiwe "AP" Ndende (25), Lwando Antony Abi (33) and Bonga Hintsa (31), Zenande Paya (38) and Mawethu Nomdlembu (36), who have all since abandoned bail. They are all facing 18 charges of murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Paya and Nomdlwembu 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 arrest comes 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.

The case against all accused has been remanded to 26 November 2024 for further investigations.

Issued by Luxolo Tyali, NPA Regional Spokesperson, Eastern Cape Division, 31 October 2024