The man arrested in connection with the massacre of 18 people made his first appearance in the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court yesterday, October 9.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, said Siphosoxolo Myekethe (45) is facing 18 charges of murder and one count of possession of an unlicensed firearm, an AK47 assault rifle. He said Myekethe was arrested at his home in Mthimde locality, Mamfengwini Area in Lusikisiki, on October 7.
“His arrest comes after the shooting that occurred on September 28, at two neighboring homesteads in Ngobozana Village near the town of Lusikisiki, where 18 people were killed and five others were injured. During his brief appearance, he elected to be represented by a legal aid attorney and stated his intention to apply for bail,” said Tyali.
According to Tyali, the prosecution will be opposing bail for the alleged murderer, who has two previous convictions for escaping from legal custody and murder, for which he is out on parole.
He confirmed that the case has been remanded to October 15, for his further criminal profiling report from the Correctional Services Department regarding his parole status and possible bail application.
